- In this report
- Overview
- Buy a converter box?
- Subscribe to cable TV?
- Buy a digital video recorder?
- Buy a new HDTV?
- More DTV resources
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
Option 2: Cable TV
Digital cable and satellite TV services will work with analog TVs
Another way to survive the change to digital TV transmissions, is to consider cable TV and satellite TV services.
Cable services provide a signal that your analog set can receive, but only until 2012.Talk to the cable and the telephone company video services available in your area about how they are planning to serve you in the transition. If you are keeping your analog set, you might still need a converter box if there is a service outage and you are concerned about emergency access. Satellite service is also an option, but it will require an upfront equipment purchase in addition to the monthly fee, which makes this the more costly solution. Some satellite boxes also include an ATSC tuner, giving you option to receive over-the-air digital programming.
But wait! If you're just after more variety, the digital television transition might deliver. National broadcasters have already started to provide multiple channels where they previously only delivered one (for example, 13.1, 13.2, etc.).The number of channels you can receive digitally will vary depending on signal strength in your area. Antennaweb.org and DTV.gov provide more information on stations available in your area.
Buying Advice
Cable services provide a signal that your analog set can receive, but only until 2012.Talk to the cable and the telephone company video services available in your area about how they are planning to serve you in the transition. If you are keeping your analog set, you might still need a converter box if there is a service outage and you are concerned about emergency access. Satellite service is also an option, but it will require an upfront equipment purchase in addition to the monthly fee, which makes this the more costly solution. Some satellite boxes also include an ATSC tuner, giving you option to receive over-the-air digital programming.
But wait! If you're just after more variety, the digital television transition might deliver. National broadcasters have already started to provide multiple channels where they previously only delivered one (for example, 13.1, 13.2, etc.).The number of channels you can receive digitally will vary depending on signal strength in your area. Antennaweb.org and DTV.gov provide more information on stations available in your area.
Buying Advice
- Subscription plans start at $15 to $20 per television per month; equipment rentals for cable cards or set-top boxes range
from $5 to $10 per television per month.
- To get the best deal look closely at service bundles and check the company’s Web site for special offers.
- If there is competition in your area, it might be worth it to try to negotiate for the level of service you want and no more.
