What’s happening with TV?
by Thomas MillerBy now most people know that television is going digital, and many have heard about an analog shut-off date in February 2009. There is a widespread belief that this analog deadline will render traditional TV sets useless. Fortunately, this is not the case. But when people experience the new high-definition picture and sound, many will want to bring their old sets to the recycling depot.
What is digital television?
Since the earliest television broadcasts, magnetic waves have been used to transmit and display pictures and sound. This analog system is now being replaced by digital technologies, which can offer far better picture and sound quality. Digital television captures, transmits and displays information that is packaged in data bits like a computer. HD or high definition is a name given to digital formats that provide widescreen, crystal clear pictures and vastly improved sound. With digital transmission, broadcasters also can choose to offer several different TV programs at the same time, and simultaneously transmit a variety of other information to both enhance the TV programming and to provide entirely new services.
When do we change to digital?
The analog shut-off date of February 2009 is really only one step in an ongoing transition to digital TV that started more than a decade ago. In 1996, Congress authorized the distribution of an additional channel to each TV broadcaster so that they could introduce digital service while simultaneously continuing their analog TV broadcasts. An important benefit of digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the spectrum for public safety and new wireless services.
During the past 10 years or so, content providers have been busy upgrading to high-definition cameras and recording devices, and the movie studios have been digitizing existing films. Today high-definition content is provided on many channels that are available over-the-air as well as from cable and satellite companies. The amount of high-definition programming is increasing steadily and now includes, among other things, all Red Sox and Patriots games. And high-definition movies are now available in stores in the competing HD-DVD and Blu-Ray disc formats.
About 10 years ago, manufacturers began rolling out digital TV sets, and today almost all new sets are HD-capable. Most of the new sets are flat panel units (plasma or LCD), but other types, such as rear projection sets, are also available. HD-capable DVD players have had their breakthrough this year, and start at less than $300.
In 2006 Congress set a final deadline of February 17, 2009, for the transition to digital television. Most stations will continue broadcasting both analog and digital programming until that date, when all analog broadcasting will stop. Broadcasters are to move all their programming onto the new digital channel, and turn over their analog channels to the federal government.
How will the analog deadline affect me?
This depends on how you receive your TV signal. The end of analog broadcasting will directly affect only those viewers who rely solely on a rooftop antenna (an estimated 5 percent or less of Cape Cod households). If you have a traditional analog TV set, and receive your TV signal through a rooftop antenna or set-top “rabbit ears,” you will need to buy a converter box to change digital broadcasts into analog format. These boxes will be subsidized by the federal government.
Those Cape Codders who have satellite service (an estimated 15 percent to 20 percent of Cape Cod households) will not be affected at all. If you have satellite service, you already have a receiver/converter for each television set. Even if you have a traditional analog TV, you will continue to receive the same service from your satellite provider as before the deadline.
Most television viewers on Cape Cod (an estimated 75 percent) are cable customers. As a cable subscriber, you may already have a cable box, which enables you to receive HD channels or higher tier programming. If so, you will not be affected by the analog shut-off. However, cable customers who don’t currently have a cable box (those who subscribe to basic cable or expanded basic) may be forced to lease a box after February 2009. While it is technically possible for the cable company to continue to provide an analog signal even after February 2009, Comcast has reportedly made a decision to move to an all-digital means of delivery. This would require that all subscribers lease a digital cable box.
What do I miss by not getting an HD TV?
Even after February 2009, TV viewers with analog TVs can continue to watch the programming they enjoy today. But they will not be able to see programs in widescreen, high definition or to hear them with the improved audio quality of surround sound. Is this a big deal?
With HDTV, about six times more information is transmitted, allowing for stunning picture detail. Individual hairs, labels on footballs and the subtle effect of wind blowing through grass are all clearly visible. HDTV sets also have wider, movie-theater-like screens that more closely resemble human peripheral vision, making it more natural to watch. Combined with the capacity to deliver enhanced surround sound, HDTV produces an advanced home theater effect. In my opinion, the difference is more important than the transition from black and white to color television.
Thomas Miller is owner of Nauset TV and Sound in Orleans. He can be reached at (508) 255-5240.
Published in Cape Business November/December 2007
Cape Business Newsletters
Keep up with the latest issues affecting your business and your life! To sign up for any of the Cape Business newsletters, click here.