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99 days until the digital TV transition changes TV

November 11th, 2008, 8:30 am · 5 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Just 99 days to go until TV watching as we know it evolves into a purely digital form.

The countdown began yesterday at the 100-day mark and all sorts of events took place. TV commercials reminding consumers about the deadline started. Stations began airing a countdown clock. Ads are covering 1,200 buses around the nation. And various cities, including the Los Angeles area, plan to conduct shut-off tests to help viewers determine if they’re ready.

For those just tuning in, on Feb. 17, 2009, the major TV networks will switch to digital broadcasts. That means that people who use an antenna to watch TV will likely get no more service after Feb. 17. The exceptions are if the TV is a digital TV, TV service comes from cable or another paid source or you bought one of those digital converter boxes (two $40 coupons are available at www.DTV2009.gov). See my “Guide to the 2009 Digital TV transition.”

Digital converter boxes are now widely sold across the country, including online at stores like Amazon.com. 

And don’t forget, the coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. As of last Wednesday, 13.5 million coupons have been redeemed. But another 7.8 million coupons are active and waiting to be redeemed or expire.

There are still plenty of coupons available. According to the Department of Commerce, which is the U.S. agency that is handling the coupon distribution, 50.5 million coupons can be available. People just need to ask (Apply for a coupon at dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV2009).

Past stories that may help: 

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Posted in: Video & TV • • •
 
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 5 Comments

  • Scottie says:
    November 11, 2008 at 5:16 pm

    Will this transition to digital broadcasting improve picture quality/reception over analogue? For example my channel 2 reception sucks but will it improve when the broadcast switches to digital? Also, do you know when the digital broadcasting begins if not already?

  • Gadgetress says:
    November 11, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    The transition to digital could actually improve the picture because technically, you either get digital or you don’t. You may need to adjust your antenna — check AntennaWeb.org. And digital broadcasts have already started so you’ll start making use of the converter box as soon as you get it. — Gadgetress

  • Mary says:
    December 11, 2008 at 7:41 am

    I bought one of the boxes last year and hooked it up to my tv - and promptly disconnected it. The quality is terrible - I can only receive a few channels since you either get the channel or you don’t. With the rabbits ears at least you could tune in a weak signal. The sound is also dreadful - I had to turn the volume all the way up to the point where the tv was buzzing but still can’t hear what’s being said. So I’m definitely looking for alternate service. You mention VIOS and all these super tv options but what about those of us who watch very little tv and are looking for minimal service? AT&T offers basic dish reception for $25 but I can’t find any ratings on whether this is any better than cable - it’s definitely cheaper than what Cox is offering.

  • Gadgetress says:
    December 11, 2008 at 7:46 am

    Others have reported the converter boxes are all they need. Here’s a link to several reviews of boxes. Also, tonight (Dec. 11, 2008), Cox is hosting a Town Hall meeting in Irvine with the FCC to discuss the transition. Get the details HERE.

  • brayden551 says:
    March 3, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Mary ,
    you will need to scan it on june 12!
    i hope this helps!