I'm technologically deficient; what does this mean for the average consumer?
1)In less than 3 years, your current TV won't work unless you buy a converter box; even if you do buy a box, your remote control, picture-in-picture (if you have that) and other features that you paid extra for won't work.
2)Don't buy a TV between now and then. In a best case scenario, you'll pay extra now for an analog tuner in it that you won't use after that date; in a worst case scenario, you'll have to buy extra hardware ('digital ready' may or may not mean that it actually has a digital tuner built in). And, if close to the end of the conversion period, you buy a digital only set, you may find that the cut-over date has been moved into the future.
3)You will probably have to get cable or a satellite dish if you don't already have one. The reach of digital signals is not as far as existing signals. (Now, in the suburbs, a weak signal might give you some snow; after conversion, a weak signal will give you a blank screen).
4)Your picture quality probably won't show a noticeable improvement. Digital doesn't necessarily mean high definition. The broadcaster can choose to give you a quality about like what you have now, and split the allocated spectrum to use the rest of it for other income-producing activities.
It's one of the biggest scams that's been put over on the American people this century.
Oh good grief. Since when did entertainment become a basic human right that has to be paid for by my tax dollars??
I receive 1 station over rabbit ears. Will I no longer receive this 1 station in 2009? Will I need cable or dish to watch TV?
It means,instead of having a fuzzy picture or a few lines on the screen,you will now have green pixels that dot the screen,frozen screens,and a few sounds like cats mating when there is a sound problem. :D Can you tell I have digital cable?
It means that in 2009, you will be on the cutting edge of FReeperdom as you can say, "TV, never watch it."
However, if you have cable or satellite TV, you have no worries. They will make sure you can remain a customer.
I live 60 miles north of Atlanta in the mountains at about 1600 ft. elevation. It's been either cable or satellite for TV reception especially from Atlanta and I've had both (still have satellite). I was goofing around with some time on my hands and had enough spare cash to get a $70 regular LP antenna and a $20 line amp. I installed the antenna in my attic (subdivision covenants against antennas). Well, long story short..., analog pictures from Atlanta are medium to poor and some are snowy. Only 1 channel is clear. HOWEVER,
I have two TVs with the HDTV tuners built in and WOW! EVERY channel in ATLANTA is BETTER than satellite, no fades, etc.
Signal strengths average 80/100 possible....It is well worth it....
Digitized liberal pablum instead of the analog variety.