Entries Tagged 'Television' ↓
June 11th, 2009 — Cable alternatives, Television, digital broadcast tv
Are you ready for the transition? If you are currently using cable, you shouldn’t be affected, but you may want to read about how we canceled our cable service and now receive free digital broadcast TV.
If you have already purchased a digital converter box or are using a newer HDTV with a built in tuner to receive free digital broadcasts, you should be in good shape.
If you are still using rabbit ears or a roof mounted antenna to receive traditional (analog) TV, here are some suggestions…
Apply for one or more $40 government coupons. The good news is that there is no longer a waiting list and the Commerce Department has recently reported that they expect to have enough funds to provide vouchers until July 31st. If you don’t have a HDTV, you will need one for each TV in your house. There is a limit of two coupons.
It may take several weeks until you receive your coupon. If you are in a rush, or have more than two TVs, here are several different converters we found which are available for next day delivery.
In the meantime, if you have a broadband connection, you can watch many shows for free over the Internet. For a detailed list of shows, check out of ShowFinder tool.
December 10th, 2008 — Entertainment, Technology, Television, digital broadcast tv
Woke up this morning and see that CNN.com has a front page story on the digital tv switchover.
They mention the February 17th, 2009 switchover date and discuss the impact this will have on over-the-air TV viewers like us. The article confirms many of the things we have been blogging about over the past year, including better picture, more channels and the ability to access HD content for free.
They mention how some people in remote areas may have problems with reception with standard antennas but discuss how broadcasters will attempt to boost digital signals starting on the transition day.
It’s a good solid article and tells people how to get the $40 government coupons and check availability.
And perhaps the most important point, they stress that broadcasters are already transmitting digital signals today and that there is no need to wait until the 2/17/09 to get ready for the switchover.
Our advice? If you are currently using broadcast TV, or are even considering canceling cable tv, take a minute and request a free $40 coupon from the government before they run out. Then pickup an entry level digital converter box and test out your reception before the actual switchover takes place. This will give you time to finetune things in advance of the changeover.
