How to keep using your old TV after digital starts...

You can apply today through March 31, 2009, to the government for a maximum of TWO coupons per household worth $40 each to purchase a set-top converter box to translate digital over-the-air broadcasts to analog for viewing on your old TV.

Retailers are supposed to start selling these converter boxes in March, 2008, for $50 to $75 each. You'll have to pay the difference between the coupon and the retail price. According to what I've read, no other changes are necessary, as your antenna doesn't know the difference between an analog and a digital broadcast signal. There is no such thing as an "HD" antenna!

Here's the number and web site to contact for your FREE coupon(s): 888-388-2009 (toll free call). OR: www.mydtv2009.gov

The coupons are ONLY GOOD FOR 90 DAYS after you receive them, so you need to time it to your needs. We requested our coupons this morning by phone; the number works.

Or you could buy a new digital TV. An article out yesterday says to not be in a rush to buy that digital TV, if you don't already have one. Prices are going to come down - and there are a lot of myths about digital TV's. HD is not always what they say it is. Many shows will say that they are in HD (high definition), but actually only certain parts of the show will be in HD.

If a set-top box is required, or will there be some type of box that can be placed inline with the antenna cable coming into the house? Seems a shame to buy one for each TV if you can just put something in before the splitter.

Might be different if it was "Andy Griffith" type shows but all the murder shows and alternate lifestyle crud they can keep.

my 2 cents

What about the VCR? Will we be able to use our old VCRs, or will they need their own converter box, or are they also junk now? I'm thinking they need their own converter box, and even then will be difficult to set to record a show?

Some of us are out in the boonies and watch clear to snowy analog TV, depending on the weather. My understanding is digital requires a clearer signal to work, so we will have less, or no, digital channels available from an antenna? I think Satelite TV is going to be very happy, and _very_ busy in Feb-May until they get all the intallations done.....

Cheaper TVs - You realize a lot of folks aren't very aware of the world around them, and come next December-March there is going to be a lot of people with stunned looks going to the Walmart & wanting a TV or converter box right now. I don't think they will have to do any sales at all & will sell out to the bare walls.....

--->Paul

Our Philips I wouldn't recommend (loses its memory too frequently), but a lot of the problem lies with the digital signal. If it's not strong enough, you don't get poor picture as with analog, you often get nothing. Recordings don't happen then. Weather makes a large difference.

Recording analog with the digital Philips works better for a weak signal, for as long as analog exists.

The upside was we found a dozen digital stations that we never knew existed. For instance, we now receive 9 different PBS broadcasts, weather permitting.

One of these days I'm going to mess with the antenna and see if we can do better. Maybe hook up the rotator again.

Had premium satellite TV for a year when I traded a rock to a guy in the business. He left that business and we chose not to pay. Happy to have had the experience, but not worth the money to us.

I'm thinking that I want to use our antenna system as long as possible. TV is disgusting enough to watch; paying $50 - $100 a month makes it even more disgusting!

I tried the website, it said I already got my coupons. I appealed asking when they were 'mailed' if I got them already.

Charles