- Sep 9, 2003
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By reading other threads I can see that a number of people seem to misunderstand what si changing in Feb 2009. I also suspect that there are probably gaps in my understanding.
Here is what t I think is changing. feel free to question or correct it.
1. Effective Feb 17, 2009 analog broadcasting will cease for all full power VHF and UHF stations. Some low power transmissions will continue.
2. Broadcasters currently on two frequencies (one for analog and one for digital) will be using a single frequency which will generally be one of the two frequencies mentioned but may differ. In general however the PSIP data will indicate their original frequency and consumers will be able to punch that frequency into their converter box or TV after they have scanned the channels.
3. UHF frequencies above 51 will no longer be used for OTA broadcasting.
4. most lo VHF (2-6) channels will be vacant but not all . Some LPTV stations will even move to these channel numbers for some period of time.
5. Cable transmission is not affected. There is no requirement for cable to go digital. in fact analog cable transmissions will likely continue for some time.
6. Satellite is not affected either.
6. All US households will be entitled to coupons entitling them to purchase 2 converter boxes that will be used to tune to the digital VHF and UHF frequencies. these boxes will output to legacy TVs with coax, composite and perhaps S-video.
7. Tvs with digital tuners will not require the converter boxes.
8. There is no requirement to go HD in Feb 2009 only for OTA broadcasting to go digital which may be either HD or SD.
Here is what t I think is changing. feel free to question or correct it.
1. Effective Feb 17, 2009 analog broadcasting will cease for all full power VHF and UHF stations. Some low power transmissions will continue.
2. Broadcasters currently on two frequencies (one for analog and one for digital) will be using a single frequency which will generally be one of the two frequencies mentioned but may differ. In general however the PSIP data will indicate their original frequency and consumers will be able to punch that frequency into their converter box or TV after they have scanned the channels.
3. UHF frequencies above 51 will no longer be used for OTA broadcasting.
4. most lo VHF (2-6) channels will be vacant but not all . Some LPTV stations will even move to these channel numbers for some period of time.
5. Cable transmission is not affected. There is no requirement for cable to go digital. in fact analog cable transmissions will likely continue for some time.
6. Satellite is not affected either.
6. All US households will be entitled to coupons entitling them to purchase 2 converter boxes that will be used to tune to the digital VHF and UHF frequencies. these boxes will output to legacy TVs with coax, composite and perhaps S-video.
7. Tvs with digital tuners will not require the converter boxes.
8. There is no requirement to go HD in Feb 2009 only for OTA broadcasting to go digital which may be either HD or SD.
