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will the digital broadcast "switch over" in 2009 effect cable telivision?

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whammoed:


--- Quote from: boykster on December 11, 2006, 03:39:56 pm ---Tuning a digital channel is much different that an analog one.  Digital signals are MUCH more directional and phase specific -> IE your antenna not only has to be pointed in the right direction, but also may have to be tilted to receive a strong signal.  Also, unlike analog signals, digitals signals are binary.  you either have enough signal to receive the transmission and it's crystal clear, or you don't.  With analog reception, even a marginal signal would be able to be received, albeit fuzzy and fading in and out.  Fading in and out of a digital signal is much less elegant.


--- End quote ---

I have not experienced that issue where I am.  I am currently getting the local digital signals in my basement with just a plain old 3 foot wire stuck into the coaxial cable connection for antennae.  I may still route an antennae from the attic, but in the meantime the old piece of wire is doing fine.

AlanS17:

I have a hard enough time picking up digital OTA signals where I live. All the broadcasts for the entire DFW metroplex are generated over 40 miles away on the south side, and I'm way on the north side. I had to buy a 10' directional antenna and an amplifier to get it work decently.

Back on topic, you'll definitely need a digital receiver when the time comes if you don't already have a TV that can handle the digital signal (such as my TV). That's really only going to be an issue for those people that don't use satellite, cable, or an NTSC receiver, and I'm pretty sure that number is shrinking.

Interestingly enough, a very large number of brand new HDTV's don't come with digital tuners built-in. They expect you to use a cable box, CableCard, external receiver, or sat receiver. It's just expected that if you buy an HDTV that you're probably also prepared to pony up the dough for premium content. As such, a lot of TV's just don't even bother including the digital tuner.

Digital tuners are getting built into nearly every new DVR these days (including  lot of those used by satellite and cable companies). I've got my DirecTV HD Tivo and I'm ready for the revolution. I know that digital isn't necesarily the same as HD, but I'm hoping the push towards digital will help the push towards HD across the board. I've like to see every show on every network in HD.

Right now, it seems the only cost-effective way to actually get HD programming is through OTA digital signals. After you have a receiver, it's just free. Cable and satellite companies charge an arm and a leg for HD, and you usually get less than 10 channels to show for it. And if you want movie channels like HBO in HD, you usually take the double hit. You have to pay for the movie channel and the HD.

jbox:


--- Quote from: AlanS17 on December 12, 2006, 12:30:10 am ---I've got my DirecTV HD Tivo and I'm ready for the revolution.

--- End quote ---
Wait, don't you mean you're ready for the resolution? Knyk, knyk, knyk!


boykster:


--- Quote from: whammoed on December 11, 2006, 07:38:47 pm ---I have not experienced that issue where I am.  I am currently getting the local digital signals in my basement with just a plain old 3 foot wire stuck into the coaxial cable connection for antennae.  I may still route an antennae from the attic, but in the meantime the old piece of wire is doing fine.

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Well then you're one of the lucky ones.  Enjoy it!

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