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05-08-2008, 11:09 AM | #1 |
dar512 is now Pete Zicato
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago suburb
Posts: 4,968
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get your hdtv converter box coupons
As I mentioned in a previous thread, analog TV broadcast will cease in February 2009 (in the US). There are converter boxes available that will convert HDTV to the analog signal your old TV understands.
Converters run ~ $60 at bestbuy or circuit city. The federal government is providing coupons for $40 toward converter purchase. The program is open now. You can apply here. There is also a very good FAQ there on what's happening and what to do. You do not need a converter if you have cable or a dish. Only those of us still getting their TV over-the-air need it.
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"Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller |
05-08-2008, 11:16 AM | #2 |
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Thanks dar512, I've been wondering about when they would finally become available. Still haven't seen any converter boxes advertised in the Sunday circulars though.
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05-08-2008, 11:40 AM | #3 |
Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya?
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,206
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I have questions about this whole thing:
On TV, there are numerous commercials, half-hour "infomercials" and banners across the bottom telling people "GET YOUR CONVERTER BOX NOW." I mean ALL THE TIME. I went online to look at coupons, and they have to be used within 90 days. Why? Why the rush? I know time flies and it will be here before we know it, but now they are also saying "hurry before they're gone." If the gubmint is giving coupons and the networks want us to keep watching network television, ad revenue and all, why the big push? The gubmint can print a few more "coupons." Hell, I might have cable before February. Yeah, everyone thinks I have a conspiracy theory working in my head, and look at me like I'm crazy when I ask why the push, but it seems funny to me.
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A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby |
05-08-2008, 11:50 AM | #4 |
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I'm not sure the stores even have many of the converter boxes in stock. Best Buy's website lists only one unit, which it won't sell over the web, and it gets mixed reviews. Apparently it doesn't work reliably.
Maybe this changeover will finally cure me of my TV addiction. If my choice is to spend $1200 to get a new tv and DVR to replace my perfectly functional TV and VCR, or spend $20-$30 after a coupon to get a box that doesn't work well, I might just read a book or surf the web instead. |
11-13-2009, 03:37 AM | #5 | |
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11-13-2009, 11:42 AM | #6 |
dar512 is now Pete Zicato
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago suburb
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Now that the frequencies have settled down, we get all the major channels and lots more with the hanger antenna. However, we're only ~15 miles from downtown chicago.
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"Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller |
05-08-2008, 11:53 AM | #7 |
Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya?
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,206
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I'm quite content with fuzzy CBS, and clear CW...but no TV at all? I read a lot anyway. No internet, so I play a lot of PC games that don't require net. However, all indications are after the switch there will be NO non-cable or non-satellite reception without the box. How will we know how well the box works until they actually switch to digital?
The whole thing reeks of reverse "economic stimulus." BUY. BUY NOW. IF YOU WAIT YOU WILL DIE A SLOW PAINFUL DEATH.
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A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby |
05-23-2008, 09:49 AM | #8 | |
~~Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.~~
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Quote:
My son's grandmother got one for mother's day. She said she gets 19 crystal clear channels now. How do you manage 22 with rabbit ears? I think there is less than 10 here with rabbit ears...! wow that's amazing. |
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05-23-2008, 10:15 AM | #9 |
dar512 is now Pete Zicato
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago suburb
Posts: 4,968
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I live in a Chicago near suburb, so I'm close enough to the antennae. If you go here and enter your address and zip code, you can see where your local stations are and how far you are from them.
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"Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller |
09-15-2008, 10:21 AM | #10 |
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I just requested my two coupons. They will send them out next month. Then I have until around Christmas to buy a tuner. They turn off the broadcasts two months later.
Wheee! |
05-08-2008, 12:32 PM | #11 |
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I still wonder if DirecTV will still work for me even tho I have an old Hughes HIRD E1 receiver, and no "HD" channels.
I also wonder if Mississippi's own Bailey Cable - which my Aunt has - is on track with HD. 'course, i also, wonder if this whole thing is like the Y2K scare. |
05-08-2008, 12:48 PM | #12 |
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It's nothing like the Y2K scare. They are turning off the analog broadcast signal. It's been planned for years now, and after being postponed a couple times, they are serious about it this time.
You have cable. You will be fine. Nothing changes for you. |
09-15-2008, 11:32 AM | #13 | |
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Quote:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/09/08/d....ap/index.html |
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09-15-2008, 11:53 AM | #14 |
dar512 is now Pete Zicato
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago suburb
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I got the Zenith dtt900 at Circuit City. It included both RCA and RF cables (some others don't). And it has worked well for us.
There were big stacks of them when I got mine in July.
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"Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller |
09-15-2008, 11:54 AM | #15 |
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