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July 2008 That Reminds Me
I want my DTV
 by Emily Schilling
Editor
Feb. 17, 2009: A day that will live in broadcast history.
That’s when television stations will stop broadcasting in the analog format and will broadcast only in digital format.
While watching one of our four analog TVs scattered throughout the house, I’ve been seeing public service announcements explaining how Congress mandated going to digital television (DTV) to free up frequencies for public safety communications. Going to DTV will improve sound and picture quality and give consumers more programming options. With frequencies freed up, folks will have access to advanced commercial wireless services.
If you already own a digital television, Feb. 17 will not be a big deal to you. Subscribers to cable or satellite television don’t have to worry either. They can continue receiving analog signals. But if you own an analog television and don’t get cable or satellite programming you need to purchase a digital-to-analog set-top converter box. If you don’t get the box, you won’t be able to watch TV anymore.
Of course, that’s not entirely a bad thing. I admit, I probably watch too much TV. My family sits in front of the television every night, watching one mind-numbing show or another for at least an hour.
However, unlike most families, we don’t subscribe to cable or satellite TV. We used to — and it was sure nice surfing around watching all those shows. But there are enough distractions to homework and reading time as it is. We’d have a TV on 24/7 if we had access to more channels!
I’ve heard of families who’ve gotten rid of their TVs altogether — and the experiences have been positive. They spend more time outdoors and interact by playing board games. They read more and pursue hobbies. They actually feel as if they’ve have more time — which is really a blessing for those of us who feel as if there’s never enough time anymore.
In all probability, before Feb. 17 rolls around, those of us who bought TVs before 2007 will be installing converter boxes or buying new digital TVs. I doubt folks will give up watching television because technology is changing.
But, I can’t help but wonder if the world would be a better place if we weren’t sitting in front of a TV admiring how much better a digital picture looks than an analog one.
Written By: eceditor
Date Posted: 6/19/2008
Number of Views: 211
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