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TV SIGNALS GOING DIGITAL
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The sky is not falling, but come February 2009, over-the-air TV signals as we have come to know them will cease to exist. As vinyl records gave way to cassettes, cassettes to CDs, smoke signals to cell phones, analog TV signals are being phased out for digital ones.
Like most laws in America, it was Congress that mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition. All-digital broadcasting, they tell us, will free up frequencies for public safety communications such as police, fire and emergency rescue.
With hundreds of TV channels and the saturation of high-definition television sets, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality. These new signals will also offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams, called multicasting.
But what does this conversion mean for your TV viewing habits?
Quite simply, if you currently subscribe to cable, satellite or IPTV (i.e. AT&T U-verse), you should be good to go. You're probably already getting digital signals through your cable or satellite box. The TV you are using now will continue to work the way it always has.
But if you have an older analog TV which uses so-called “rabbit ears” or other kinds of over-the-air antennas, you are going to need a digital converter to tune-in the new digital over-the-air TV signals.
So here are your choices:
a) Keep your 30-year-old Sony Trinitron and subscribe to a cable/sat/IPTV service;
b) Keep that old set with the broken knobs but good picture and get a converter box; or
c) Buy a new TV set that receives digital signals.
An interesting point to make here--you don’t need to go out and buy an HDTV. High-def TV sets receive these digital signals but there are cheaper options. Several manufacturers make sets with built-in digital tuners (integrated DTV) for a few hundred dollars. Most HDTV sets cost several hundreds of dollars and well into the thousands.
According to a recent study by Nielson Co., about 14 million consumers with older TV sets who don’t have subscription services will need digital-to-analog converters boxes. This is the least expensive option to comply with the transition. These small boxes will hook into older sets and convert the new digital signals into analog signals that your current older TV set can display.
These digital converter boxes are already on the market and cost upwards of $50. But thanks to our wonderful U.S. government, they are offsetting the cost by issuing up to two $40 coupons per household. To receive these coupons, go to this website to apply for them, or call 1-888-DTV-2009. When they arrive via snail mail, take them to a local store and buy a converter box.
I received my coupons in late March and found a converter box at Wal-Mart for $49. After using the coupon I was only out $9 plus tax. A small price to pay to allow my 4-inch TV set in my garage to receive American Idol. Note: There is a 90-day expiration date on the coupons so use them soon after you receive them.
If you have figured out your situation with your TV set, there are potential other concerns about peripherals plugged in to your set. VCRs, DVD players, camcorders and video games will continue to work, even if they are only analog-capable. However, such equipment may not provide digital-quality picture and sound. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality. Check with your equipment retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.
The FCC and local broadcast stations have launched public awareness campaigns to alert consumers about the February 17, 2009 conversion date. Be prepared for a barrage of ads, alerts and digital TV sales coming your way this holiday season.
So act soon, but remember the sky is not falling! But if you miss one episode of Desperate Housewives due to this switch, things may really hit the fan.
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Next Saturday's radio broadcast should be interesting as Home Media Professionals will build out a new home media room in my house during our 3 hour show. Tune in and log on to our videoconference to listen and watch. We'll have manufacturer reps and experts to talk about products, design and installation so you can upgrade or redo your home.
Before I let this team into my house I need to clear some space. I joke that I live in a Dave & Buster's with all of the games we have. Apparently my kids don't have enough things to occupy their time besides Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii so we also have a pool table, air hockey table, full-size original Galaga and Ms. PacMan game cabinets and more. But it's time to clean house.
Before I put this on craiglist this week, let me know if you are anyone you know is interested in an authentic, working Galaga arcade game and cabinet. It stands 5 1/2" feet tall and takes up about a 6 sq. ft footprint (2' x 3'). It works and sounds great plus doesn't need any quarters. Send me an email for more details and a price. Let's make a dealio.
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Woodford Reserve Small Batch Bourbon
Man does not live on tech products alone (at least not THIS man). While I certainly do not recommend this on any kid’s wish list, I do have some influence on kids over the age of 21.
Bourbon happens to be my drink of choice when I choose to imbibe responsibly. After a visit to Kentucky earlier this year with visits to several distilleries, I have come to learn the intricacies of small batch and single barrel bourbons. My personal favorite is handcrafted in Versailles, Kentucky - about an hour outside of Louisville - at Woodford Reserve.
Every step in the process is overseen by Master Distiller Chris Morris. He selects the barrels that show superior maturation qualities before they are moved to the 100 year-old stone warehouses that will hold the liquid gold.
Two “Master’s Collection” editions have been released recently including the Sonoma-Cutrer Finish. This special bourbon has a sweet and toasted oak finished thanks to a four to five month maturation in a California chardonnay barrel.
Average retail: $30 (750 ml) - $125 (Sonoma-Cutrer Finish)
Go to the next review - MP3 Player
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