Digital TV Transition Not as Easy as Advertised [View All]

[mahatmakanejeeves]

I live in Alexandria, Virginia. I have TV sets equipped with rabbit ears. Those antennas are modified from existing antennas, and I installed those antennas in the sets myself. In the spring, I like to watch over-the-air broadcasts of college lacrosse from Baltimore's WMAR channel 2. Next spring, I won't be able to see those broadcasts, as the distance between me and Baltimore is beyond the limits of digital broadcasting. A lot of people are in for a big surprise.

Digital TV Transition Not as Easy as Advertised

Preparing for Analog Shut-Off, Some Viewers Say New Signals Aren't as Reliable

By Kim Hart
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 20, 2008; Page A01

The government-ordered switch to digital television broadcasting next year promises razor-sharp picture and orchestra-like sound -- that is, if the signal actually comes in.
....

The nation's broadcasters will shut off traditional, over-the-air TV signals as they move to all-digital programming Feb. 17. But questions remain about whether the digital signals will consistently reach the 14 million households that depend on antennas to receive broadcasts.

A large number of viewers who hook up a converter box, or use a newer digital TV, will have clearer reception and more channels than they did with analog broadcasts. For some, the improved quality could serve as a replacement for more-expensive basic cable service. But some consumers may have to buy extra equipment to reliably pull in as many channels as they did before the switch, especially if they live in rural areas or near tall trees or buildings.

"The government's message for consumers is that all they need is a converter box or digital TV," said David Klein, executive vice president of Centris, a market research firm. "That's an oversimplification of what's going to happen."