the start date of requesting coupons is only less than 3 months away but I havent seen any convertors boxes yet or any price guesses. the coupons will only be valid for 90 days, so will we be forced to buy what is thrown out there at the last minute? I have cable but I'm not losing my options and having cable company totally control my choices.$40 off $60 or $80 would be acceptable, but $40 off $299 will make me go tvless for awhile.
I don't want to buy a new tv just because the gov decided to give the big telcos more bandwith. that bandwith must be at&t reward for the little spy room.
woowoo2
In the crosshairs
posted: Sep. 24, 2007 @ 1:00p
The converters are due to hit the streets about the same time that the coupons are issued.
LG has a model that they presented to congress. (Street price est. $100 )
Looks like you can sign up for the coupon after Jan.
thanks woowoo, yeah I had read all the info at dtv.gov just wondered about the new boxes and costs. I knew that LG and Thomson/RCA will have models, but was hoping for a few more brands. No way in heck I'm buying anything branded RCA. I bought tv few years back with the guideplus stuff and within 2 years it needed fixing 2 times. So no RCA products for me.
MajorDarkside said: You say you have cable so can't you get a set top box from the cable company for free?
I called them (brighthouse cable) they currently plan on charging rental fee. $6.95 monthly rental fee. I just have bare minimum basic cable. runs $7.00 a month for channels 2-13 so I can get roadrunner.that extra $6.95 would double my basic costs. But I want another option that is not cable provided in case I ever get pissed at them and want to disconnect.
Converters are only needed for OTA programs which require a QAM filter. Cable doesn't have to obey those stilly rules & can keep analog on some channels if that is what they want to do.
handyguy said: Converters are only needed for OTA programs which require a QAM filter. Cable doesn't have to obey those stilly rules & can keep analog on some channels if that is what they want to do.
Was in Sears on 12.9.07 and saw several Samsung LCD Tv's with stickers on the back of the sets about the change and that a converter box would be need after 1/09....
why would one buy a Tv now if that is true ?
Converter box is not needed for anything else ?
Looks like I'm going to have to look a bit further into this....
Paco said: handyguy said: Converters are only needed for OTA programs which require a QAM filter. Cable doesn't have to obey those stilly rules & can keep analog on some channels if that is what they want to do.
Was in Sears on 12.9.07 and saw several Samsung LCD Tv's with stickers on the back of the sets about the change and that a converter box would be need after 1/09....
why would one buy a Tv now if that is true ?
Converter box is not needed for anything else ?
Looks like I'm going to have to look a bit further into this....
Wow! I thought that they were supposed to stop selling those after 3/1/2007.
IMPORTANT: TV converter boxes are not expected to be available in retail stores until late February or early March. You will receive your Coupon(s) then. The Coupon will expire within 90 days from the date it is issued.
The form asks if you have cable/sattelite service on at least one of your tvs. We do have cable, but not on all tvs, especially the one I end up watching the most in the kitchen. Will I still be eligible for a coupon?
george2001 said: Paco said: handyguy said: Converters are only needed for OTA programs which require a QAM filter. Cable doesn't have to obey those stilly rules & can keep analog on some channels if that is what they want to do.Was in Sears on 12.9.07 and saw several Samsung LCD Tv's with stickers on the back of the sets about the change and that a converter box would be need after 1/09....
why would one buy a Tv now if that is true?Wow! I thought that they were supposed to stop selling those after 3/1/2007.
FAQ I guess they can sell them from inventory, as long as they don't ship them interstate.I am betting they can only sell them IF they put the sticker on there mentioning the upcoming change.
just wanted to advise there's more discussion going on ...HERE... the mods decided not to lock that one in reference to this, so people looking for good info should probably check both threads
IMPORTANT: TV converter boxes are not expected to be available in retail stores until late February or early March. You will receive your Coupon(s) then. The Coupon will expire within 90 days from the date it is issued.
Thanks, couldn't find the actual link on that main site.
goldeng said: The form asks if you have cable/sattelite service on at least one of your tvs. We do have cable, but not on all tvs, especially the one I end up watching the most in the kitchen. Will I still be eligible for a coupon?
I truthfully answered "I do have cable/satellite" and I'm able to receive two coupons. The main reason someone would want one or two boxes is for backup when cable/satellite is out of service.
From the FAQ at the site:
Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?
Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.
goldeng said: The form asks if you have cable/sattelite service on at least one of your tvs. We do have cable, but not on all tvs, especially the one I end up watching the most in the kitchen. Will I still be eligible for a coupon?
I applied for the coupons and then found they expire in 90days !! I am p**sed - why the expiry date ? Sound like an indutry-led rebate program and they want most consumers to be scrwed. When there is a sale you dont want to apply for coupon and wait for government USPS mail ! Nor can you get coupon early and wait to figure how the market plays out over the year to see what is a good box/price etc.
Write to your congressperson/senator/FCC/TVanchors and yell about it. This is one for FWers.
We don't know yet. About $80, $40 coupon, you pay $40. I hear comcast is giving them out for free for a year?
zzyzzx
Senior Member - 3K
posted: Jan. 2, 2008 @ 8:08a
OhRob said: If you have a portable tv, I expect one of these converters will come in handy.
In florida, we have these things called hurricanes that tend to knock out cable for a while.
If you were planning on running this portable TV off of batteries, then plan on getting a new one. the converter boxes won't. Would really be much easier just to get a new TV.
woowoo2
In the crosshairs
posted: Jan. 2, 2008 @ 8:55a
zzyzzx said: OhRob said: If you have a portable tv, I expect one of these converters will come in handy.
In florida, we have these things called hurricanes that tend to knock out cable for a while. Would really be much easier just to get a new TV.
Have you seen a small (9-13") TV with an ATSC tuner?
OP, There are several USB tuners that will turn just about any laptop into a Digital TV.
From the FAQs: "NTIA will focus its outreach on households that continue to rely on analog over-the-air television during the transition. Recent research has shown that these households include older Americans, minorities and rural residents."
I predict that a coalition of AARP, NAACP, and farmers/rednecks will have enough combined political power to put a stop to this, or at least significantly delay it further. People in rural areas who get a weak, snowy signal on analog TV won't get squat on DTV and won't want to pay for satellite. Many older people who have refused to get cable TV won't stand for this either, because they simply don't like change or new technologies. Minorities will complain, because even with the coupon, they will still say that they can't afford the converter box. Most of these people have no idea what is being planned for them, and when they finally realize it, the sh*t will hit the fan, and every congressman will hear about it until it is stopped.
'They can post a disclaimer at the point of sale that they don't have this tuner and still sell the TVs. '
Yes, older ones can be sold until sold out.
woowoo2
In the crosshairs
posted: Jan. 3, 2008 @ 5:59a
Goferebater said: From the FAQs: "NTIA will focus its outreach on households that continue to rely on analog over-the-air television during the transition. Recent research has shown that these households include older Americans, minorities and rural residents."
People in rural areas who get a weak, snowy signal on analog TV won't get squat on DTV and won't want to pay for satellite.
Actually..... For most of our sites (We have 15 Transmitters) our signal coverage has gotten better. We are also covering the same area with 10% of the output power.
I really do not think the Government will delay this again.
FrugalFreak said: MajorDarkside said: You say you have cable so can't you get a set top box from the cable company for free?
I called them (brighthouse cable) they currently plan on charging rental fee. $6.95 monthly rental fee. I just have bare minimum basic cable. runs $7.00 a month for channels 2-13 so I can get roadrunner.that extra $6.95 would double my basic costs. But I want another option that is not cable provided in case I ever get pissed at them and want to disconnect.
In case you get p'd at them??? Me and everyone I know are p'd at them daily!!!
zzyzzx
Senior Member - 3K
posted: Jan. 3, 2008 @ 9:37a
handyguy said: 'They can post a disclaimer at the point of sale that they don't have this tuner and still sell the TVs. '
Yes, older ones can be sold until sold out.
That's true, and I've seen the disclaimers, but it's been 6 months and they still have stuff with the old tuners in the stores!!! I would have to think that stuff doesn't sit around that long.
I'm slightly perplexed by this whole DTV issue. I think we have cable and the reason I'm saying "I think" is because we never ordered cable, but can watch a whole host of channels (including ESPN, USA, VH1, Comedy, etc., but no HBO, Showtime). All I did was connect the coaxial from the wall to the coaxial on the TV (old TV), no cable box or anything else (am using a RF modulator to connect the DVD player to TV), and the channels just showed up. I'm guessing we have basic cable for free then since we never ordered and never paid nor received a bill in the 6 months that we have lived at this place. Anyway, my question is, will I need to purchase a digital converter before Feb'09?
Not too keen on buying a new TV yet since we hardly watch TV except for news.
woowoo2
In the crosshairs
posted: Jan. 3, 2008 @ 2:19p
PsychoFan said: will I need to purchase a digital converter before Feb'09?
No, You should be able to keep stealing analog cable...
But it would not surprise me if some cable operators used this event as an excuse to get rid of their analog tier.
lonekazoo
Senior Member
posted: Jan. 7, 2008 @ 5:27p
I think that we can help combat a socialist government by applying for 2 coupons each, but then NOT using them. In this way we will be helping each other, as taxpayers, save money.
SeattleNative
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Jan. 7, 2008 @ 7:45p
Goldeng said: The form asks if you have cable/sattelite service on at least one of your tvs. We do have cable, but not on all tvs, especially the one I end up watching the most in the kitchen. Will I still be eligible for a coupon? Yes. In the event that the coupon program is over-subscribed, then first priority for the coupons would go to those who lack cable. Oddly enough, those who receive strong over-the-air ("OTA") local reception will actually see slightly better picture over a standard-def TV using a DTV OTA box than viewing the same stations via cable. A few folks who receive a ghost-free, snow-free DTV picture might well cancel cable TV if they mainly watch local PBS, CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC programming.
SeattleNative said: A few folks who receive a ghost-free, snow-free DTV picture might well cancel cable TV if they mainly watch local PBS, CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC programming.Yes, and VERY few. And I don't think that the cable companies are worried about losing many subscribers this way. They will be outnumbered 1000:1 by people who now receive OTA TV channels being so frustrated trying to get a signal strong enough to get a reliable picture that they will find themselves needing to switch to cable or satellite. And a lot of people (especially the senile citizens) will be steamed about it.
Goferebater said: SeattleNative said: A few folks who receive a ghost-free, snow-free DTV picture might well cancel cable TV if they mainly watch local PBS, CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC programming.Yes, and VERY few. And I don't think that the cable companies are worried about losing many subscribers this way. They will be outnumbered 1000:1 by people who now receive OTA TV channels being so frustrated trying to get a signal strong enough to get a reliable picture that they will find themselves needing to switch to cable or satellite. And a lot of people (especially the senile citizens) will be steamed about it.I dunno, I was told I was crazy when I got a 1080p LCD and did not get cable at the same time OTA for me is fantastic, and I have a crummy ten year old regular TV antenna in the attic. It cost me $20 from Fry's. With analog, I had ghosted pictures on a couple of channels, and snowy pictures on some of the hokier UHF channels. With OTA HDTV, they all come in crystal clear, even the hokey low budget stations. Now I can watch Hawaii Five-O and other stuff that hasn't fully made it to dvd.
My suggestion to FWers looking to save some bucks is give OTA a try, especially if you already have an antenna on the roof. (It's better in the attic, no corrosion.) You don't need to buy a new "HDTV ready antenna, a regular TV antenna from decades ago will work fine. The old UHF elements pull in the HD freqs without a fuss.
And if OTA doesn't work, your local cable company will still be more than happy to sign you up.
By the time this comes along there is going to be whole new tv technology. There are going to be tvs that do 120 frames per second, 9 millimeter thick plasma tvs, etc.
handyguy said: There are going to be tvs that do 120 frames per secondThat would be nice. Too bad Hollywood is still filming at around 30 fps. Maybe I'm more sensitive to it, but even in movie theaters on fast motion scenes I can see the frames.
burgerwars said: FrugalFreak said: handyguy said: You can also get these online: Digital Stream Technology DSP7500T Digital to Analog DTV Tuner Converter Box # Digital to Analog DTV Tuner Converter Box. Capable of receiving major and minor free HDTV off-air signals. Digital to Analog DTV Converter Box # Capable of receiving major and minor free HDTV off-air signals. # Channel 3/4 output for analog conventional TV # Fully compliant with ATSC standards # Parental control (V-chip) and advanced Closed Caption # High quality composite video / L/R audio output # Remote control # Product also known as: DSP7500T, 094922896308 # Compuplus.com Pictures are for illustration purposes only. # Comp-U-Plus Return Policy: 30 days exchange or money back # Product includes the full US manufacturers warranty
About $47 plus shipping from a few stores, before coupon which you can use. Some are more. http://www.provantage.com/tv-converter-box-coupon-program~880NTIA.htm
does that box have programming guide? anyone know wheter the isignia, zenith boxes have EPG or analog pass through
I purchased an Insignia at Best Buy with my coupons. No analog pass-through, but I'm using the video/audio inputs instead, so still using the coxial input for the cable connection.
You're also able to manually program in channels when scanning missing them. Scanning missed channels 9, 11 and 13 in L.A. when I programmed it, so knowing the DTV channel equivalent (13 is 66 here), is important, otherwise you'll need to manually go through each one. You can look them up at http://www.hdtvpub.com.
The program guide on the Insignia only gets updated as you flip through channels, so it's not like a cable box where you can always check other channels.
Today I also picked up a Magnavox box from WalMart ($49.95 minus the $40 coupon). The Magnavox is cheaper than the Insignia, but lacks a audio/video cable. Both come with a short coxial cable. Between the Insignia and the Magnavox, the differences I noticed so far is the Magnavox doesn't have a signal strength function (at least I haven't found it), but it does have a more robust program guide that shows what shows are coming up in the future. The Insignia just shows the current show and the next show. The Magnavox does let you freeze the picture, where the Insignia you can't. But again, I haven't yet given these boxes hours of study, so I might be missing some features.
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