Digital Destiny

We've all heard that public service announcement advising that after February 17, 2009, all television stations will broadcast exclusively in digital and our TVs may no longer work. However, before you run out and buy a new model, keep in mind that this only applies to programs that you receive with an antenna on TVs that were manufactured prior to about 2000. If you receive all your programming by cable or satellite, you won't notice any change at all.

If you do use an antenna, check your owner's manual. Your TV may already be digital ready and it will explain how to set it up for digital reception.

In any event, if you do purchase a new TV, and plan to use it with an antenna, make very sure it has a digital tuner. Otherwise, it will only be usable to receive programs via satellite or cable or as a playback device for your VCR or DVD player. There are many retailers out there who are anxious to unload their supply of old analog only TVs and very willing to sell them to unsuspecting customers.

Finally, a note about VCRs and DVD machines. Before you buy, make sure your new digital TV has standard RCA and S-VHS inputs in addition to digital connections so you will be able to playback your standard analog tapes and DVDs. Analog output jacks are also a good feature as you'll then be able to record programs through your new TV. However, video recorded that way will be no greater than analog quality. The best way to record from an antenna is directly into the VCR's antenna input. You'll then need a digital VCR and those are still rather costly. My 1st VHS VCR cost me $1100 in 1979. Prices are certain to drop as the new units become more common.

If you're satisfied with an analog quality picture, you can still use your older TVs and VCRs by connecting a digital converter to your antenna inputs. You may also receive a government grant to buy one. Check out the Digital TV link at the top right.

Dave Allen, The Digital Daddio