Originally Posted By JohnS1 Someone here must have expertise in this area but can explain it in simple terms. I don't want to know how it works, what options are available, etc. I am still just confused as to the following: 1) who approved changing the way we get our tv signals? 2) Why weren't we allowed to vote on a decision that affects just about everybody in the country? 3) If I subscribe to cable tv, does that mean there is nothing I need to change about my current TV or or buy in order to change it? 4) If I have to buy something, will the government who changed things without asking for our approval pay for the expenses I'm going to have? Ok guys and gals, have fun.
Originally Posted By EdisYoda 1) The FCC 2) Because it's the FCC (aka government) 3) This is correct 4) You've GOT to be kidding!
Originally Posted By jonvn You don't vote on every law or regulation that happens in this country. In fact, you vote on almost none of them.
Originally Posted By ecdc 1) The FCC, many moons ago; it's been delayed several times. They have a page explaining why they're doing it: <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html" target="_blank">http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consume rfacts/digitaltv.html</a> 2) For the same reason we don't all vote when our taxes are raised or we go to war; we vote people into our government who make these decisions on our behalf. In this case, we elected a President who then appoints a head to the FCC, who then appoints and hires others who make these kinds of decisions. If we're unhappy with what's happened, we can write to the FCC directly (though the current bunch may not care about any mail that doesn't involve boobies on TV), or to our representatives. If we're really upset, we can elect different officials and let them know why. Fat chance, I know, but "in theory" that's how it works. 3) Chances are if your TV works with your cable, you're safe. The real question is, how old is your TV? When your cable installer came, did he groan and hook up about 12 different adapters to the back of your set? Or was he able to hook up a set top box without any trouble? Or better yet, was it "cable ready" and he just screwed the cable right into the back of the TV? A quick Google search will most likely turn up pages where you can plug in your TV's model # and find out if it's analog or digital. 4) Believe it or not, they actually will. Or at least, there's a program available. From the link I provided above: "Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service." Of course, that last sentence pretty much makes most of us ineligible; the $40 is only if you don't have a cable or satellite provider and get your TV exclusively through OTA (over-the-air) signals. I'd recommend going to your cable or satellite provider's website. Chances are they have a FAQ or section on the conversion and how it'll affect you. Better yet, do a search for one of the many TV chat forums out there. And I thought I was into TV too much... I'm not tech savvy enough to know the nitty gritty of it all, but my guess is most cable and satellite customer's won't be affected. These companies transmit in whatever signal they want and their equipment converts it how it needs to. For example, I have DirecTV and they've been broadcasting all-digital for some time now. Their equipment works just fine on both analog and digital TV's. Perhaps someone more technically inclined than myself (peaanuut, where are you...) can clarify or correct me, but my assumption is only those people with the rabbit ears or antenna on the roof need be concerned.
Originally Posted By JohnS1 I'm just thinking that this is pretty far reaching legislation given the number of people owning tv sets, especially when the effect in many cases is to render those sets useless, without expense that nobody asked for. Add in the fact that consumers weren't rioting in the streets and demanding this, and it seems to be a very intrusive law.
Originally Posted By SuperDry But think of the large businesses that will benefit when the spectrum currently allocated to analog TV gets reallocated.
Originally Posted By jonvn "I'm just thinking that this is pretty far reaching legislation" Much legislation is. If you have cable, you don't have to worry about it. If you don't have cable (or satellite) you will probably be able to buy a simple adapter that is similar to a cable box that attaches to your TV set.
