Convert to Digital TV or Read More

June 12 is the day all broadcast television stations will transmit a digital signal meaning if you have an analog TV you’ll need to take one of three actions to keep watching TV according to the US Department of Commerce DTV website.

1. Purchase a converter box
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner

Many rural and fixed income residents are scrambling to get government coupons for a converter box or get a converter box.

Matthew Moskovciak, has a great review of converter boxes on CNET Reviews. These boxes attach to your current TV and old “rabbit ears” antenna. This will deliver you a signal. The government has a $40 – $60 coupon to subsidize the cost of converting, making the cost to the consumer nearly free.

While much is being made of the switchover date, a majority of the country is already there. More than 50% of the country is already capable of receiving the digital signal because this switch has been in the works for years. Since March 1, 2007 the Federal Communications Commission required all television sets manufactured to have a digital tuner. So if you purchased your TV after March 1, 2007 it is likely you’ll be able to receive the digital signal.

Now is a great time to get into true digital TV by purchasing a digital TV. There are sets for as low as $250 for a 20 inch – 27 inch set. The web is full of new TV buys.

Pay attention to the differences in types of digital TV, all of which will receive the digital signal. The three types of digital sets are:

1. High-definition (HDTV)
2. Enhanced-definition TV (EDTV) and
3. Standard-definition TV (SDTV)

Now is a great time to buy a digital set, shop around and get the clear picture.