On Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:35:35 GMT, (Beachcomber)
wrote:


Some may care that that law has no effect on cable and satellite, just
(terrestrial) broadcasts.


I wouldn't exactly say no effect.

No direct effect, and what effect there is will be delayed. Often by
several years.

Also, cable companies will be getting much of their stuff from
satellite, which isn't directly effected by the law either.

The standards for tv set reception
are changing, regardless of whether your signal comes from antenna,
satellite dish, or cable. The NTSC method of delivery over what has
been known as VHS CH 2-13 is going away.

Doesn't that apply only to OTA broadcasts?

BTW, one of the ATSC stations around here broadcasts on channel 10
right now. Maybe that's temporary.

The UHF band 14-83 is being
allocated to the new DTV Transmitters. Currently, cable and
satellite boxes use these frequencies (primarily CH3 or CH4) to output
a RF signal to many NTSC TV sets.

Sometimes necessary, but should be avoided when possible because of
the lower quality. This should become less common with time, since
newer sets usually have A/V inputs but not because of the law.

(In some cases, the more modern
sets receive baseband NTSC video and seperate (stereo) audio. The
new demodulated TV signals will be all digital and the sets will be
all digital.

Certain cable and satellite companies may elect to keep current
equipment and provide you with a convertor box.

There's no need for a converter box (when you didn't already need one)
unless they (the cable company) changed their equipment.

In many cases, you
might be able to keep your existing TV set or DVR. It's too early for
them to announce their plans just yet, but you can also expect a push
from them to get you to upgraded technology.


Probably so, it's just that the law doesn't require them to.

Low cost convertors are predicted to be available. Most people will
probably wind up buying a new TV set if they want to receive all
channels + new features.

Most of those that can afford it. There are those who can't.

The big manufactuers are already licking
their chops! Imagine a nation of 300 million people changing to a
new TV system with a specific day deadline.


Which has already been put off several times. Why would you be so sure
it won't be again?

Beachcomber




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Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent
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