New rule re: analog cut off

[dishcomm]

Why would they? this matter involves OTA transmissions not satellite broadcasts. Maybe OTA broadcasters could air spots explalining it to OTA viewers (who are the ones affected by it) but airing something on DISH or osting this in an area frequented by DISH Network subs is not the best way to get the message to those that need it.

Think about this for a moment. Suppose the locals do what you suggest. They run PSA's to inform viewers of the situation. Question: how do you think the electronics advertisers would react? I think they might raise and eyebrow or two.
BTW I think your idea is excellent. Just playing devil's advocate.

 

[Peter Parker]

Apparently the statison in the DC market have already started this.

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[cparker]

I just saw an article about this in the weekend paper. Apparently there will be $40 "coupons" redeemable toward the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter so that people watching TV OTA don't have to upgrade their old (and still working fine) TVs.

My wife and I had a discussion about it as well. And I told her about HD-Lite and compression and .... she said, "I can't believe people actually talk about this. You do realize that for most people, TV is just TV. The people who actually care about mpeg compression algorithms, antenna picture quality vs cable or satellite picture quality, and whether or not something is in true HD or upconverted SD, is really a minority."

We're afficienados! TV SNOBS!

But.... she's probably right. And I have to say I give her props for using all those terms at the end. She either knows more than I give her credit for or she's actually paying attention when I talk. Either way... I win!

 

[Peter Parker]

She si right that many if not most don't care. I think taht the point is that those who are affected (people with sets with analog only tuners) need to find out and the PSAs a re a way for them to find out.

 

[Hall]

I think 80+ % don't care. It's only the hard-core people (go to AVS Forums and tell 'em how good your D* or E* HD channels look) and you'll get people who've analyzed the incoming stream and have "proof" (in their opinion) that it's inferior. Apparently some people watch TV with meters whereas most of us watch with our eyes. My eyes are my judge, not some numbers off of someone's computer.

 

[aperry]

Well, that was like the easiest test ever... 100%

 

[WhitePolarBear]

Today not all cable channels are digital. In Houston area (now operated by Comcast), channels in the basic and extended basic packages are all analog signals (you don't need a cable box). Will the new rules in 2009 applied to these analog cable channels as well? I know Comcast is pricing their digital basic almost the same as their extended basic to lure people to switch. (Actually, you pay the 2 to 3 dollars extra, plus the rental fee for the digitial cable receiveer so it's more than you realized).

 

[Andrewwski]

No, these regulations do not apply to cable.

 

[Barry Erick]

MSTV - Association For Maximum Service Television

 

[Peter Parker]

Today not all cable channels are digital. In Houston area (now operated by Comcast), channels in the basic and extended basic packages are all analog signals (you don't need a cable box). Will the new rules in 2009 applied to these analog cable channels as well? I know Comcast is pricing their digital basic almost the same as their extended basic to lure people to switch. (Actually, you pay the 2 to 3 dollars extra, plus the rental fee for the digitial cable receiveer so it's more than you realized).

No. It applies to OTA. It has nothing to do with how cable or satellite deliver signals.