Converter Hdtv: Making the Move to DTV
February 17, 2009 is going to be one interesting day for television fanatics. It's the day when analog television is scheduled to cease its existence. Probably the only tool that will make a difference for those who won't be able to make the switch in time is the converter hdtv box.
On the 17th day of February 2009, many of today's television sets won't have the capability to receive broadcast transmissions without the valuable aid of a converter hdtv box. Congress has decided that the country by that time should rid itself of the reigning primeval television mode and graduate to a totally new digital system (DTV) by purchasing a new TV set or a converter hdtv box. In comparison to an analog television, DTV has a more excellent picture quality and audio. The top quality digital image is received through High Definition TV (HDTV) equipment.
The new digital system was borne out of the need for the redistribution of transmission waves, which was tragically brought to the country's attention during the fateful 9-11. It was when the public safety airwaves hindered communication. When analog broadcasts kick the bucket in 2009 and digital-TV lifestyle kicks in, the 700-megahertz frequency band used by analogs will be free to be used in emergency communications or to be auctioned off to mobile phone companies.
The problem is that knowledge of the imminent switch is limited to only a few people. A lot of consumers remain in the dark and stores are not helping to spread the word about the looming transformation.
The decision by Congress affects 20 million TV viewers in America who are given three choices: buy a new high-definition TV set, purchase a converter hdtv box or keep using the old idiot box. When the citizens decide to get a more advanced TV set or a converter hdtv box, they would be awarded with a heavenly viewing experience with crystal clarity and in vivid color. Those who won't be making any choice at all, meaning they opt for the third one, will be awarded with… a blank screen. Because that's what they will be seeing if they don't get themselves a new HDTV or a converter hdtv box.
Consumers who aren't keen on getting themselves a new television set or aren't interested in subscribing to cable or satellite service will need to purchase a converter hdtv box that costs up to $70 each. The converter hdtv boxes aren't exactly available yet, but when they do, Congress will offer up to two $40 vouchers for analog-only households.
