Digital Tv Broadcasting Coming Soon Options

[John Blue]

We all need to think about this change that will take place on February 17, 2009. All TV stations will stop broadcast in analog and only use digital system. You think no big deal, 85% of all TV sets in USA are analog only. Most all RV equipment have analog sets. TV sets we have were build into nice oak cabinets and to change it could be a problem. Try to find one that would fit into your cabinets.

You can add a digital to analog converter box to keep the old TV set. You will need room or space to add this equipment plus AC power. Next problem is your bat-wing style antenna on roof. If you have the silver wings you will need to change that also. If you have the painted wings you are OK. Winegard has the new wings and you only need to change that part, rest of Winegard gear is OK.

Our Congress mandated this change in 2006. Now I understand tons of people do not have the dollars to buy new TV's or buy converter box. Government is now talked they may pay cost on digital to analog equipment so people can see TV again. Our government at work!

We in RV life have around 14 months to think about the best way to get ready to fix this problem.
What will we do next?

[DXSMac]

An engineer friend of mine, who "claims" to be an "expert" in electronics, told me that the reason it won't be a problem if you have cable is because you will receive your cable, but it will be "pushed through" as analog if you don't have an HD ready TV. That kind of doesn't make sense to me. Who knows.

But if you are getting your TV via an antena, you will need a converter. I'm wondering where I will have room for the converter box on my front TV, which pretty much takes up a lot of space in it's specially made TV nook. My front TV is bolted to a slide out stand, centered in the nook, and there is only 3 inches of clearance on the top and sides.

JJ