Audio Systems: switch over to digital in 2006, sound and vision magazine, satellite signals

Question
I am very confused about the switch over in 2006.  I have a regular analog tv receiving cable.  So in 2006 ( or when tv stations will be 100% digital) will i still be able to use this same tv receiving cable, or when i turn my tv on, all i will see are dots on every single channel because all the stations are now digital?

thanks,

sk

Answer
Dear sk,

I share your confusion. Actually, the FCC has mandated the switch from analog to digital airborne signals (garden variety, pre-cable, pre-satellite TV) in 2007. However, the commonly regarded community opinion is that the deadline will require some extending.

What it does mean is that those stations that *are* broadcasting in digital will have to cease their analog broadcasts. Mind you, this is only over the air. It's not clear what cable and satellite providers are going to do with their analog customers. As you're probably aware, most cable and satellite signals are downconverted to analog. That is, if you have an analog TV you aren't getting the digital signal, even if the program is being broadcast digitally. You have either a cable-ready TV or a descrambler box which is converting the signal to be compatible with analog sets.

The shred of good news is that digital television set prices are falling like stones. Garden variety CRT models sell in the $200-300 range. When you start getting into new technology like plasma, LCD, or DPL, the prices start to rise pretty steeply. Then again, those huge digital screens (50" and up--measured diagonally) which use modified CRT or rear projection technology are very expensive still.

My guess is that by the time you're actually forced to abandon your analog TV, replacement sets won't cost any more than a good analog set does today. But eventually you will have to buy a new set.

The best general news can be gotten from "Sound and Vision" magazine (formerly "Stereo Review"). They run regular features on the progress of the conversion. You can find them on line at www.soundandvisionmag.com.

Great question! And thanks for choosing allexperts.com.

Kindest regards,

Kevin