[snarkpup]

Does anyone have any experience with how well the new digital format works in areas where analog reception is marginal? I.e., if my analog signal contains enough snow and multipath ghosting to be objectionable, will the new digital format clean this up or reduce the picture to pixellated garbage?

[Paleo Conservative]

You should watch this video on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy-pD-M0rY4

[zeaal]

Goodness ... this is ALL we have heard about for the last several months on every TV channel in America. It has NOT been a secret.

[reagan_fanatic]

Consumers Union is urging Congress to delay the nation's transition to digital television, saying the program to help TV viewers prepare for the switch next month has been underfunded and poorly implemented.

Bullcrap.

Everyone who has a TV and has used it within the last 6 months KNOWS about the switchover. The only thing that should have been made clearer is potential reception issues, i.e. the types of antennas necessary and the fact that digital TVs won't display a signal unless the signal strength is at or above a predetermined level.

What should have NEVER been done was that stupid coupon program. Nothing but a complete waste of taxpayers money on something that, if left alone, would have worked itself out just fine.

[weegee]

Don’t let the bread and circuses go dark. People may revolt against congress.

[TexasCajun]

Y2K all over again!

We're doomed. ...without govment help.

[okie01]

...Congress allocated $1.34 billion to provide coupons to help offset the price. As of Sunday, consumers requesting $40 vouchers to help purchase a converter box are being placed on a waiting list, and federal officials warn that TV watchers may not receive the coupons in time for the switch.

Given five years notice and funding approved two years ago, plus a firm deadline, the federal government still hasn't figured out a way to give away money!

And we're actually thinking about letting these people take over our health care...???!!!

The $1.34 billion sum is sufficient to cover the cost of 33.5 million $40 coupons -- that's roughly one-third of the households in the US. Could it be that one-third of the households in the US a.) don't have cable and b.) can't afford a box?

Or, as is usually the case, will 85% of the sum allocated be consumed by "administrative & distribution costs" -- so that it is costing the taxpayers $228 for the government to give away a $40 coupon?

Unbelievable!

[Myrddin]

This is total BS. The switch was supposed to happen in 2005. Then it was moved to Feb 17th, 2009..to "miss" the Super Bowl AND the government coughed up $1.3 billion in socialist giveaways in the form of $40 "coupons" to offset a typical $50 converter box cost. Continuing to push the date because it "affects the poor" is total crap. TV is a luxury. The switch to digital has been delayed by 4 years.

[goldstategop]

You mean people can't afford the cost of a $70 digital converter box? What a shocka! And if you have cable or satellite, no upgrade is required. You're set after Feb. 17th!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Hatteras]

They will delay the transition. The libs control television. They can’t risk the peasants listening to radio for their news.

Of course... now if we had a fairness doctrine... Hmmm....

[Aquinasfan]

Consumers Union is urging Congress to delay the nation's transition to digital television, saying the program to help TV viewers prepare for the switch next month has been underfunded and poorly implemented.

It's funny how liberals are always surprised by "poorly implemented" government programs.

[Peet]

Aw, geeze, not this cp*p again!

Digital TUBE type 16:9 TV with DIGITAL tuner && VCR/DVD-R machine with DIGITAL tuner for timeshifting == WAY LESS money than a small LCD or Plasma flat-screen digital TV.

Old fashion bow-tie UHF (so far no digital is broadcast on the VHF frequencys) antenna == approx. $20 7 years ago.

Digital over-the-air reception == free.

Watching people wet themselves because they are not prepared/don’t have cable (or satellite) == PRICELESS!

Peet

[steve86]

WSJ: Obama Team Says Money In Stimulus For More DTV Coupons that is for the digital TV transition.

This was posted on another forum. Not sure if joke or not. probably not. lol

[Ptarmigan]

Barack called for change and that includes digital transition. That’s for change for ya! I have a converter box, so I am ready to go. I actually want the digital change over now because digital signals are weak at this time.

[SunkenCiv]

Consumers Union is urging Congress to delay the nation's transition to digital television, saying the program to help TV viewers prepare for the switch next month has been underfunded and poorly implemented.

Congress should investigate the so-called consumer magazines for their "ratings" of products which are mostly no longer available by the time their articles appear.