Upgrade That Old TV Antenna

[ShyGirl]

From the December 31, 2007 edition of US News & World Report:

After Feb. 17, 2009, most broadcast TV stations will shut off their analog signals, which perhaps 20 million U.S. homes without cable or satellite still use. But Congress will help you pay the $50 to $70 cost of converting old TVs for the new digital signals.

Each household can get two $40 coupons toward the digital converters. But the feds will mail the coupons on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted starting Jan. 1, 2008, at dtv2009.gov or by calling (888) 388-2009. The coupons start going out in February, meaning you could enjoy crystal-clear digital TV a year early. —David LaGesse


Too bad they won't issue coupons toward the purchase of a new TV!

 

[aps45819]

It always amazes me when somebody "discovers" information that's been widely distributed by multiple sources

 

[Lugnut]

Why the hell are they issuing coupons to begin with?!?!

 

[aps45819]

Why the hell are they issuing coupons to begin with?!?!

Because this is a government mandated change that's driven by large business concerns to open up more ot the available spectrum for cell phones. Since the business that are profiting from the move don't want to finance the change, they make donations to the royalty in DC who then use your money to finance it.

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

Because this is a government mandated change that's driven by large business concerns to open up more ot the available spectrum for cell phones. Since the business that are profiting from the move don't want to finance the change, they make donations to the royalty in DC who then use your money to finance it.

$40 is nothing. An analog tuner still costs $60-$150.

The price of HDTVs has gone up in the last year as has the price on digital tuners and converters. They're taking us for a ride.

I could've bought a 1080p 32" LCD TV for $700 this time one year ago. Now that very same TV costs $1600-$2300.

I've been looking at the prices because I was going to buy one and I keep noticing the price keeps going up and up and up month after month. My stepdad got a 62" TV (DLP) for his entertainment room in early 2006 for $2200. Looked online and that same TV costs over $3000 now.

Doesn't that count as price fixing?

I just won't watch TV after 2009 because my TV is dying anyway. The government didn't think about the consumer. Imagine having to buy one of these tuners for EVERY SINGLE TV in a hospital or school.

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

I bet right after this Digital Transition, the FCC starts regulating cable and digital cable networks (TNT, FX, Showtime).

 

[ItalianScallion]

Most TV antennae are "VHF" ones. Digital signals are now on "UHF" so the antenna has to be changed. There are some good ones on Solid Signal | DIRECTV® Systems, HDTV Antennas, DISH Network, satellite equipment and home entertainment supplies & accessories and click on "off air tv supplies". Until Feb 2009, digital stations are running on reduced power so an antenna preamp might be needed. I sold my analog set and bought a small LCD HD TV. With the antenna & preamp I can pick up 62 FREE channels (analog & digital). Most of the analog ones are available as digital so I deleted them (about half of them) because the HD picture is MUCH better. If you want to keep your old TV sets, you will need a converter box in 2009. You can still use your old TV however, but you'll be missing out on the HD picture quality. Having said that, I need to also say that I disconnected my cable TV in 2003 because of the junk being broadast. I decided to try regular TV with the new antenna and I see that, with the exception of about 4 channels, I have no use for TV watching anymore.

 

[jazz lady]

The price of HDTVs has gone up in the last year as has the price on digital tuners and converters. They're taking us for a ride.

I could've bought a 1080p 32" LCD TV for $700 this time one year ago. Now that very same TV costs $1600-$2300.

I've been looking at the prices because I was going to buy one and I keep noticing the price keeps going up and up and up month after month. My stepdad got a 62" TV (DLP) for his entertainment room in early 2006 for $2200. Looked online and that same TV costs over $3000 now.

Doesn't that count as price fixing?

No, it's call the law of supply and demand. If enough people want something badly enough and are willing to pay anything for it to get it, they will and companies know this. And the fools that pay it get what they deserve.

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

No, it's call the law of supply and demand. If enough people want something badly enough and are willing to pay anything for it to get it, they will and companies know this. And the fools that pay it get what they deserve.

Well, I can't afford it.

And when my TV's picture tube dies (and it will very soon, it's been fading out more and more), I won't be able to get a digital TV because of "supply and demand."

And paying 300$ for a new 30" CRT TV and then another $150 on a digital box for it is effing pointless.

I'm going to read up on this, becaus my understand of it is that everything is going Hi-Def in 2009.

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

Most TV antennae are "VHF" ones. Digital signals are now on "UHF" so the antenna has to be changed. There are some good ones on Solid Signal | DIRECTV® Systems, HDTV Antennas, DISH Network, satellite equipment and home entertainment supplies & accessories and click on "off air tv supplies". Until Feb 2009, digital stations are running on reduced power so an antenna preamp might be needed. I sold my analog set and bought a small LCD HD TV. With the antenna & preamp I can pick up 62 FREE channels (analog & digital). Most of the analog ones are available as digital so I deleted them (about half of them) because the HD picture is MUCH better. If you want to keep your old TV sets, you will need a converter box in 2009. You can still use your old TV however, but you'll be missing out on the HD picture quality. Having said that, I need to also say that I disconnected my cable TV in 2003 because of the junk being broadast. I decided to try regular TV with the new antenna and I see that, with the exception of about 4 channels, I have no use for TV watching anymore.

I might have a set of UHF rabbit ears somewhere. I used to be able to pick up TNT over the air. Is that still the case?

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.

Analog cable tuners cost $120.

 

[aps45819]

Well, I can't afford it.
And paying 300$ for a new 30" CRT TV and then another $150 on a digital box for it is effing pointless.

I'm going to read up on this, becaus my understand of it is that everything is going Hi-Def in 2009.

NO, everything is going to digital, NOT High Definition.
I picked up a 20" crt set a K-Mart in the spring for under $200 that has both a digital and analog tuner.

 

[aps45819]

Analog cable tuners cost $120.

:shrug: you already have an analog tuner, you'll need a digital to analog converter. If you have cable, you don't need anything

 

[ItalianScallion]

I might have a set of UHF rabbit ears somewhere. I used to be able to pick up TNT over the air. Is that still the case?

Soitainly not! There is a world of difference between analog reception and digital so a good "fringe" antenna is a must. With analog, if your reception is bad, you get a snowy or blurry picture. With digital, you get "stop & go" images and the sound quits too. The picture freezes then it either goes to "no signal" or pops back in and continues on. All HD TV's come with a diagnostic menu item that allows you to see your signal strength. If it isn't at least 85, you will get the choppy or "stop & go" picture and it is VERY irritating. On that solid signal website antenna page you can click on "antennaweb.org" and it will give you the distance to the digital stations so you can choose the best antenna for your location.

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

Soitainly not! There is a world of difference between analog reception and digital so a good "fringe" antenna is a must. With analog, if your reception is bad, you get a snowy or blurry picture. With digital, you get "stop & go" images and the sound quits too. The picture freezes then it either goes to "no signal" or pops back in and continues on. All HD TV's come with a diagnostic menu item that allows you to see your signal strength. If it isn't at least 85, you will get the choppy or "stop & go" picture and it is VERY irritating. On that solid signal website antenna page you can click on "antennaweb.org" and it will give you the distance to the digital stations so you can choose the best antenna for your location.

You own that My Brother's Place in Waldorf, right?

 

[ItalianScallion]

You own that My Brother's Place in Waldorf, right?

Uh yeah, but what's that got to do with HDTV reception?

 

[sanchezf]

Uh yeah, but what's that got to do with HDTV reception?

In all seriousness, what is that place? I've lived in the area for 15 years and have heard many different things...

 

[ItalianScallion]

In all seriousness, what is that place? I've lived in the area for 15 years and have heard many different things...

It is a Christian run community center open Friday, some Saturdays and is rented out as a church on Sunday. Friday night we cater to teens who want to hang out there. we have some foods, many non alcoholic drinks, 2 pool tables, a pinball machine and 2 foosball tables. We have 3-4 live bands there every Friday. We are not paid, but are volunteers who care about helping kids go in the right direction. I'd be lying to say that we reach them all but we do try. We have them for 4 1/2 hours once a week and the world has them the rest, so you can see our job is a tough one. It was started by Karl Hinshaw, John Peterson, myself and a few others. I am the only original member left. We're open from 7-11:30pm on Friday and some Saturdays. Come by and say hi, I know some of you have but wouldn't tell me who you were. That's cool, I'm glad you came by anyway. Sorry to go off topic folks, but I was asked a question.

 

[sanchezf]

It is a Christian run community center open Friday, some Saturdays and is rented out as a church on Sunday. Friday night we cater to teens who want to hang out there. we have some foods, many non alcoholic drinks, 2 pool tables, a pinball machine and 2 foosball tables. We have 3-4 live bands there every Friday. We are not paid, but are volunteers who care about helping kids go in the right direction. I'd be lying to say that we reach them all but we do try. We have them for 4 1/2 hours once a week and the world has them the rest, so you can see our job is a tough one. It was started by Karl Hinshaw, John Peterson, myself and a few others. I am the only original member left. We're open from 7-11:30pm on Friday and some Saturdays. Come by and say hi, I know some of you have but wouldn't tell me who you were. That's cool, I'm glad you came by anyway. Sorry to go off topic folks, but I was asked a question.

Thank you for your reply (Sorry I got him off topic)
Thank you for doing such a great thing for the kids ..

 

[ItalianScallion]

Thank you for your reply (Sorry I got him off topic)
Thank you for doing such a great thing for the kids ..

Glad you feel that way. I love kids sooo much that I've been working in Youth ministry since 1990. Kids are so awesome and loving! I get so much pleasure talking, watching and laughing with them. I also enjoy knowing that my being there every Friday is giving them happiness, safety and, in the long run, helping them learn about God & life through me and others.