I know that digital TV is coming in February and I have not yet done anything about it. I use a roof mount antenna and watch my local channels. In other words I have not cable or satellite TV. What do I need to do to make sure I can still watch my non-digital TV? Any advice would be great.
A lot of people are very concerned about the changes that will soon be taking place when TV broadcasting stations stop sending out analog signals and start sending out digital signals. Prior to digital TV's, we all had standard television sets with picture tubes. And, many people still have these sets that work just fine. So, when digital signals begin to be broadcast our older TV sets that used to receive analog signals just fine, will not be able to receive them anymore.
I am sorry if this all sound too technical for you so now here is the easy to understand solution to what many people think is going to be a problem, when in fact you may be pleasantly surprised.
Since you don't have cable or Satellite TV, you will need to purchase a converter box that coverts the new digital signals to analog signals and lets you watch TV on your existing TV set with you existing TV antenna. Since your is a roof mount antenna, it should work great. For those who don't have a roof top antenna, rabbit ears will work, but purchasing a better antenna for inside the home would be the best idea. You can even look on Youtube and learn how to make your own antenna for very little money.
The converter boxes can be purchased for about $40.00 to $50.00 each and the government will issue each household 2 coupons worth $40.00 each to apply towards the purchase of your first two boxes. You can get the boxes at stores like Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walmart and Target as well as online.
To get your free coupons, just click on the following link: https://www.dtv2009.gov/
Also, this site will answer most any question about this change and give you lots of advice as well. Just so you know, even though I have Satellite TV in my home, on two of my analog TV sets, I got my two converter boxes and I not only pick up my local stations but I am getting additional stations as well. This will vary depending on where you live. And, the picture quality is very good. Actually much better then what I was getting with rabbit ears.
I hope the helps. Rick
Rick Maselli is Founder of Showrooms411.com