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Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution'
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,Jon Date: 27 Feb 08 - 05:17 AM And an OT drift. I made an (to me) interesting discovery while playing with Vista (Home Basic) trying to do something with the network. I opened Computers and Network and saw "tv: MythTV AV Media Server" there. Double clicking it opened Media Player. It doesn't see video files I've put on Myth but it does find the videos I've recorded. Not only that, it even plays them. It sees audio files too but fails to play them - possibly it doesn't understand Ogg Vorbis files - a bit stupid if it doesn't (at least without extra work) as its got none of the mp3 patent/licencing issues and some reckon it's superior... |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 27 Feb 08 - 03:49 AM Back to the original question about the US digital TV switchover (DTV). A new article at PC Magazine is: What You Need to Know About Digital Television ARTICLE DATE: 02.20.08 By Robert Heron The article doesn't add anything not already discussed in this thread except that the US Rebate Coupons are only good for DTV Converter Boxes that are on the governments "approved list." Look at the article if you want. It does offer some possibly useful links: https://www.dtv2009.gov/: TB Converter Box Coupon Program https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm : Eligible DTV converter boxes And "some useful resources for learning more about the DTV transition" at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/: Main converter box site/main DTV transition site http://www.dtvtransition.org/: DTV Transition Coalition Web site (has a handy DTV quiz that can help you determine how ready you are for the transition.) http://www.antennaweb.org/: "A Great place to find out about what local DTV channels are available and how to receive them (including info about selecting an appropriate antenna)." - I haven't checked this one out in detail yet. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 21 Feb 08 - 08:06 AM Note: DVD recorders with HDs are regularly available in Aus - I'm waiting so they get cheaper. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,Jon Date: 21 Feb 08 - 07:27 AM It's all along way off for me, John. Our tv is "hd ready" but it was purchased following the old tv breaking down and it made sense to try to be as"future proof" as reasonably possible. I'm in no hurry for hd itself. With regards to UK broadcasting, I've no idea if/when hd might be available on digital terrestrial. I believe Sky offer it on satellite and I guess some cable might. For me though (especially as someone who dislikes pay to view and dislikes Murdoch/Sky), the next thing of interet will be free sat. I'll keep my eye on that and may give it a try at some point. As for blu-ray, again no hurry and prices need to drop a lot... |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 21 Feb 08 - 07:02 AM Since it's probably of immediate interest to few, only a small snatch of the sort of articles beginning to appear: Ready to buy Blu-ray? Better hit pause button Price expected to remain high for now, and you'll need to upgrade, too By Suzanne Choney updated 10:02 p.m. CT, Wed., Feb. 20, 2008 The high-definition DVD format war may be over, but not the battle for eyeballs and dollars when it comes to viewing high-def movies. With Toshiba's announcement Tuesday that it's abandoning the HD DVD format it helped create, leaving Sony's Blu-ray the winner, consumers may feel they have no choice but to buy a Blu-ray player in order to enjoy movies in HD. There are good reasons to wait. ... [The "reasons" are given in at the link. You probably care only if you're thinking about a purchase.] John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 21 Feb 08 - 12:48 AM No Ron - It's hardly worth debating; but the news that Walmart planned to drop HD DVD came out about a week ago. Most mainstream news media didn't report that until around 15-16 February. That was after several others had made similar announcements in the preceding few weeks. One of the major announcements was from Warner Studios, early in January, indicating they would stop distributing HD DVD in May 2008. There were lots of "opinions" that this meant HD DVD was dead. There were other opinions that predicted that it would survive in some form. Some of the opinions quoted "anonymous spokesman" and appeared possibly to have some access to what "insiders" might be thinking. Example 22 Jan 2008 (This article also has some comment on DVD players that may still be of interest.) Microsoft announced on 17 or 18 Feb that they "were not concerned," and promised that HD DVD would remain available for XBox. Toshiba did not respond officially until 18 Feb when they announced that their decision makers were meeting to consider whether to drop HD DVD. The actual decision by Toshiba was announced in news reports on 19 Feb (apparently while I was typing my post on that day). John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: wysiwyg Date: 20 Feb 08 - 11:39 PM Here's what I have so far. Maybe it is time for a terminology lesson.. This is going to be a little long-winded .. Dvr/tivo = this is a box usually provided by your cable/satellite provider which allows you to "record" programs to an internal hard drive on the unit .. Now there are ways of connecting this to a pc but generally what most people (myself included) do is to connect audio/video cables from this box to either a vcr or dvd recorder (see below) .. When we want to record something that we have "saved" on our dvr we select the program on our dvr and play it, and then hit record on our vcr or dvd recorder. So let's say I recorded the Pens game last night to my dvr, this morning before I left for work I started the game on my dvr and then hit record on my dvd recorder. Dvd recorder = a device normally connected to your cable/satellite box (doesn't have to be a dvr **) and/or your vcr .. This device may or may not have a hard drive, its primary purpose is to allow you to copy content from the source (cable/vcr) onto either the hard drive of the recorder itself or to a dvd. Why you ask would you want a hard drive, now I have the program on my dvr and on this dvd recorder hard drive?? Because once it is on the hard drive of the dvd recorder you can EDIT it, remove commercials, break it into multiple segments for multiple discs, remove any pre-show or post-show that you don't want. Plus it just makes everything easier :) Most stores do not carry the dvd recorder with the hard drives, they used to but don't anymore. Most people think this is because the tivo people have pressured the retailers not to sell these because for most people they don't record as much as the people I hang out with :) So they would record a program as they watch or schedule a recording (like you do with your vcr). If they would do that they would have no reason to have a tivo/dvr and the sales of those devices would plummit. There are ways to connect this device to a PC but most people do not do this because the setup for that is a little more intricate and requires software to be purchased on the PC. ** so now you might ask, why do I use the dvr AND the recorder with a hard drive. Well, I only have 1 TV connected right now (really!), so if I were to record directly to my recorder, I could only record/watch 1 program at a time. With the dvr I can record 2 programs at once, and watch either one. Dvd burner = a device connected to your PC which allows you to burn music, files (for backup), or movies (of course legally!), or copy other dvds. Normally when you buy a burner it comes with the necessary software to allow you to burn the above items, some people buy additional software which allows them to edit audio/video, create pretty menus etc. That isn't necessary to do the basics though. So .. If you want to copy your vhs tapes to dvd or record programs from cable, you probably want to get a dvd recorder - if you want to buy it in a store, you will not be able to buy one with a hard drive. To record from your vcr to dvd, you would push play on your VCR and record on the recorder; if you wanted to record a Pens game, you would use it the same way as you do now with your VCR, setup a timed recording, put in a dvd and off you go (of course it is a little more complex, than that you have to set your recording quality (same idea as sp/lp on the VCR). Most of the recorders in the stores are fairly cheap nowadays, toshiba & pioneer are good names, some people also like panasonic. Then if you want to be able to copy your dvds for other people to see or to make backups or whatever, you would need a Dvd burner for the computer. .... I did simplify some of the options because you are just in the "planning" stage .. Later on, you'll have more questions and we can go back to this for reference and make some changes because things CAN be a little more complicated but it helps to understand the basics... when people say recorder or burner if you aren't following what they say you will be left out in the cold!
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 20 Feb 08 - 10:51 PM Sony was a huge benefit to the Blu-Ray. Their adoption of the format into Play Station 2 was a big selling point and their studio support pushed them over the edge. It is a technically sound format, unlike VHS which beat out Betamax. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 20 Feb 08 - 10:23 PM John, I think you missed what I was saying. Wallmart dropped Blu-Ray on 2/15, and over the weekend the story started to float that Toshiba was starting to float. Wallmart was the final nail in the coffin, and that happened last week. Your earlier posts seemed to have missed the news stories. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 20 Feb 08 - 09:35 PM Ron - Rumors that Blu-Ray had moved ahead have been around for a while. The report on 18 Feb was that Toshiba was "meeting to discuss" whether to drop out (the same day that Microsoft put out a press release that they didn't see a problem with HD DVD on their XBox). The report that Toshiba had made the decision hit the press on the 19th. I have a hard time thinking of an association with Sony as a "benefit" since This thread, but they do have the money behind them. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 20 Feb 08 - 10:37 AM JohninKansas - the stories were actually floating over the weekend after Wallmart pulled out. Blu-ray had several advantages over HD DVD. For one thing, it could reproduced HD signals from camcorders, which HD DVD could not. Blu-ray also has a higher storage capacity and have a higher bandwidth. Unlike the VHS-Betamax war, where betamax was actually a better technical product, it seems that Blu-ray has many signficant advantages. Having Sony as a partner was the deciding factor. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: wysiwyg Date: 20 Feb 08 - 10:20 AM A long-distance friend, I've discovered, is an old hand on this revolution; he sent me a long email I hope to post soon. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:57 AM Critics slam FCC chairman's low-power TV plan Value to current over-the-air viewers questioned By John Dunbar The Associated Press updated 2:09 p.m. CT, Tues., Feb. 19, 2008 WASHINGTON - A Federal Communications Commission plan to help owners of rural television stations survive the transition to digital broadcasting is great for station owners, bad for cable companies and of questionable value to viewers, according to critics. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's plan is meant to help thousands of low-power television stations across the U.S. that operate in rural and underserved communities hold on to their viewers during the digital shift. Owners of these stations have been upset because they say they have been largely left out of government efforts to educate the public about the change. Beginning Feb. 18, 2009, all full-power television stations in the U.S. will broadcast a digital-only signal. Anyone who gets programming via an antenna and does not have a newer-model digital set will need to buy a box that will "down-convert" the digital signal to analog. The government will provide two $40 coupons per household that can be used to buy these boxes. The problem facing the low-power stations is that they are not required to go digital. Use of a converter box may actually block the low-power analog signal, yet digital signals would display normally. The problem was first publicized in an Associated Press story in January. Martin outlined his plan to help rural stations to reporters earlier this month. In it, he "explicitly encourages" the consumer electronics industry to configure their boxes to allow for analog signals, but that fell short of what low-power stations had sought. In December, the Community Broadcasters Association, which represents the small stations, asked the FCC to declare that boxes that do not "pass through" analog signals violate the federal "All-Channel Receiver Act" and should be banned from sale. ... There's more argument at the link. The possibly significant point from the article: Fortunately for viewers of low-power programming, four of the 42 converter boxes that have been approved for sale allow for both analog and digital programming. According to the NTIA, they are: the Philco TB150HH9; the Philco TB100HH9; the ECHOSTAR TR-40 and the Magnavox TB-100MG9. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST Date: 19 Feb 08 - 06:52 PM AverTV is a brand of AverMedia, SRS. The generic term for these devices, at least in the UK is tv card. They come in internal, eg. PCI and external, eg. USB forms and can accept different types of input, eg. dvb-t, dvb-s, analogue. My own selection (all of which work on Linux but with levels of effort required ranging from none to compiling V4l drivers are: HVR 1100 and the 1110 Hauppauge package as an 1100 (the latter needs a firmware download but otherwise works out of the box on later linux and uses different chips - the differences are no odds to Win users who have relevant drivers supplied in the box but that type of thing can be the difference between success or failure for a Linux user,). Nova-T 500 again works out of the box with firmware. Cynergy XS (needs V4L drivers built + firmware for me). Jon (who again finds a post fails with a name in the From box) |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,Jon Date: 19 Feb 08 - 06:33 PM A very important feature that probably gave the edge with distributors to Blu-Ray is that it incorporates much more invasive and apparently stronger DRM built into the format. I don't know anything about that but that thought had crossed my mind... |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Feb 08 - 05:49 PM My daughter also has a card in her computer so the television cable or antenna can be plugged in to pick up the cable (or FM radio) information. I think it is called AverTV or something close. I installed it in her first computer, then took it out and put it in her second one. But I don't know if she ever actually uses it. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 19 Feb 08 - 05:40 PM It looks like BBC is a little ahead of NBC. Yesterday the report was that Toshiba was "considering pulling HD-DVD out of it." Microsoft had just replied to that announcement with their comment about whether that would be the end of XBox. Toshiba's "final" decision to pull-out apparently was announced only today. Sony demands a royalty for each commercial DVD burned using Blu-Ray, in addition to the royalties for copyrighted works in the content. HD-DVD didn't require a separate per-copy fee, so the HD-DVD disks usually were a little cheaper. HD-DVD was approved by the standards organizations prior to release, while Blu-Ray is Sony's own format (with no outside control/approval). HD-DVD devices are somewhat simpler to build. Most of the released Hi-D porn is on HD-DVD. Other than that, it seems Blu-Ray has won the battle. A very important feature that probably gave the edge with distributors to Blu-Ray is that it incorporates much more invasive and apparently stronger DRM built into the format. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: Bill D Date: 19 Feb 08 - 04:06 PM My son got a gadget for his PC that plugs into your cable and retrieves the TV channels and shows them ON the PC. He has no regular TV in his college dorm, just the PC. I'm assuming he can copy what he sees...limited by HD space. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 19 Feb 08 - 03:54 PM Very interesting! Thanks for posting that Jon, although I guess I won't be in the market for such a unit anymore! :) |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,Jon Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:49 PM The BBC news site is suggesting that now Toshiba have pulled out of HD DVD, the format battle is over. See here |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,Jon Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:46 PM Try LG Try here (and here) |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:34 PM If you pick up a copy of today's newspaper, the ink is just about dry on the obit for HD DVD. Blu-Ray appears to have won. I don't think there were ANY dual-format high def players that could handle both. Most blu-ray players will "upconvert" the standard DVD. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:18 PM I can't really offer much on the Computer to TV connection, but there are actually several things that "TV type" people probably need to know about, and that seem to be getting mixed up and mangled in the news media. The first thing to consider is that all major broadcast TV - the kind you get with an antenna - will be required to be digital in about a year. If you receive TV using an antenna, you will need a converter, or a "digital TV," to receive most stations. Broadcast stations below a certain power level are not required to go digital, so you'll have to determine whether there are any "indy" stations that you want to be able to watch after the switch, in order to know whether a simple converter (digital only) will work or whether you need a "passthrough" converter to allow you to continue to receive analog broadcasts along with the new digital ones. There are expected to be very few passthrough capable converters available - quite probably not enough for all who will want one. Since at least some stations already are broadcasting digital signals on separate "new" channels, those who want to convert early may want a passthrough converter to continue receiving both kinds of broadcast until the "official switchover date." The FCC is offering "rebate coupons" worth $40 each to defray the cost of purchase of converters for those who need one. "Coupons" are supposed to be mailed this week, to those who've asked for one. If you haven't asked, it's probably too late until a "second round" issue comes up - at some unknown time. Prices for converters are estimated to be $50 to $70 by the Fed, but those appearing in stores thus far run toward - or above - the higher end, so far as I've seen. The "coupons," which reportedly resemble a "prepaid debit card," must be used within 90 days of issue. There is some question of whether converters will be available in all areas to permit buying them by all the people expected to have coupons. There has been no information that I've seen on whether you can use a coupon for a purchase made prior to receiving it. A bill is in Congress to extend the time for using the coupons, but isn't getting much interest. The FCC is "resisting" an extension, because they want to recover the funding for unused ones immediately in order to issue a "second round" of rebates for those who didn't get one. (hint - that means the second round will be at least 90 days from now, or possibly longer if the period for existing coupons is extended?) Cable TV users, and probably Satellite users, don't need to worry about the change (they say). The second thing to consider is the appearance of "High Definition TV." Digital does NOT NECESSARILY mean High Definition. In most cases, it just means that your TV gets the picture in a different way, but the picture is the same. Some broadcasters, especially cable providers, already are providing "HiDef" channels with some programming in this format. You must have a "HiDef" TV set to receive and display them in the High Definition mode. Theoretically all High Definition broadcasts must default to a viewable picture on "normal" TV sets, so upgrading to the higher resolution is sort of optional. You should be able to receive the High Definition channels with your regular (digitally capable or converted) TV, but won't benefit from the "super pictures." Reliable comment on how well this actually works is "sparse." A third thing to consider is related to the High Definition for "home movie" users on DVD. A "standard DVD" does not record enough information for "High Definition" movies, so a separate DVD format is required. There are currently two separate and incompatible "standard" formats for High Definition DVDs. HD-DVD© is the format being pushed by some. The competing format is called "Blue-Ray©." (Blue-Ray is also seen as Blu-Ray or BluRay) Your player/burner must be specifically designed to use either of these formats in order to be able to play/record in the format chosen. There are many "players" that claim to be able to play either format. There are some "burners" that claim to be able to record in either format. There is much debate about whether any of the claims are true at a practical level. Regardless of which DVD format is used, a High Definition TV is required to benefit from either. Again, theoretically a DVD in either format is supposed to display in "reduced definition" mode on any TV, although the player may have to be "high-def capable" in order to play the DVD. This "default signal compatibility" is debated quite a lot, with heated opinions about how well it works. Some DVD distributors have allowed you to choose which High Def format you want, and have distributed all High Def DVDs with an accompanying "normal" DVD for those without a suitable player. This "dual distribution" appears likely to end sometime, possibly fairly soon. Some distributors have recently decided to use one or the other format exclusively. In most recent cases the choice has been Blue-Ray. The most recently announced switch to "all one kind" was by WalMart, who says that in future they will sell only Blue-Ray High Definition DVDs. Microsoft has recently stated that they will continue to use HD-DVD for XBox, and "it's not a problem."(?) Although Blue-Ray High Density seems to be gaining, it's still not clear which format will ultimately "win" and both may persist for some time, perhaps indefinitely. If you don't have a dual-format high def player/burner that you've confirmed works with either the only suggestion possible is to be careful when buying (High Def) DVDs to be sure you get one you can use. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,Jon Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:43 PM If you want to connect a computer to the tv. You'll need to look at your tv inputs and computer outputs. In my case, the tv has a VGA socket so I can just connect the tv up as I would a monitor. I could do the same with HD if I had a card with that output. My own solution to recording from tv, sharing cds, dvds and other video is to use mythtv. I think Windows Media Center might be similar. I have the master PC attached to the tv. This has 3 digital (freeview) tuners in it and also a large (750Gb) hard disk which I use as central storage. In addition to that, Pip's and my PC's can also handle some of the tasks as well as for watching/listening. CD's/DVD's can be imported and burned, programs scheduled, recordings deleted, etc. from any of the 3 locations. With this setup, the master PC needs to be on to use mythtv on the other computers but the master spends a lot of time powered "off" just waiting for a WOL instruction to come to it ether from the other PCs or from a low power device that wakes it up in time for a recording. The myth backend itself will shut down when it's got no recording work to be done and the other PC's are not using the service. It also works out when it needs to be woken up for the next recording. It just needs a couple of small scripts on top of that for it all to work together. It's a linux solution though. |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Feb 08 - 08:09 PM You don't really expect someone who uses a coathanger for a TV antenna to have the boxes to do that, do you? Well, John-- and I am sure I am not alone in this-- I think you know pretty much anything tech/practical, whether you use it personally or not. No? Really? .... I'm gonna have to figure it out.... myself? I used to use coathangers-- in fact I can bodge with the best of them-- but this cabling thing-- I get cross-eyed. Oh well, maybe someone else will take pity on me. It IS Mudcat after all, and surely someone knows these things. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 18 Feb 08 - 06:54 PM WYS - Sorry to have to tell you this, but I don't do that stuff. You don't really expect someone who uses a coathanger for a TV antenna to have the boxes to do that, do you? We do have some "exp-spurts" who've talked about it, but I don't usually pay much attention to those threads. It makes me feel too old fashioned. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Feb 08 - 04:59 PM JiK, Aaaaaaaahhhhhh.... that was so good that now I need a cigarette! :~) Let's go on to the next question. It's the Big One. What is the proper connection protocol to get streamed video from the puder displayed on the TeeVee, recorded onto a DVD, and archived onto a hard drive? I'll just step out for a fresh carton while I await your response.... ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: JohnInKansas Date: 18 Feb 08 - 04:29 PM In the US ONLY: The change to all digital TV broadcasting for MAJOR BROADCASTERS won't happen for nearly a year, although some stations are already broadcasting digital on separate "channels." The "Fed" has promised that "converters" will be available very soon, and they may be in some stores now. IF YOU HAVE CABLE TV nothing will change in most places. Your "cable converter" already converts what comes out of their wire to what your TV set needs, and thus far I've seen no indication that cable services are changing their signals. I've seen little comment on Satellite TV, but since you already need/have a "converter" for them, it would be reasonable to assume that their signals will not change and no additional equipment will be required. Check directly with your Satellite provider if in doubt. If you receive TV programs from another source, such as a bent coathanger nailed to an elm tree in the back yard like I do, and if you do not already have a "digital capable TV set," you will need a "converter" to receive the digital signal and convert it to an analog signal. (If you have a "digital capable" TV on an antenna, you may not need a separate converter; but you may have to switch - or add - connections to be sure your digital signals go into the digital connectors on the TV.) The converter will simply receive the digital signal and convert it to an analog signal like what you are receiving now. Except for some possible improvement in signal stability you will see NO CHANGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR TV. If your existing TV/VCR/DVD equipement does not have HD capability, converting to digital will not change anything. The signal your TV receives from the converter will be exactly the same signal as what your TV previously received from the antenna. All HD signals, whether digital or analog and whether from an antenna, cable, satellite or DVD, are required to default to display in "reduced quality" on existing sets. "Reduced quality" means "just like always." The slight "clinker" in all this is that NOT ALL STATIONS are required to "go digital." If you convert your TV using the most common converters you will no longer be able to receive stations that are NOT DIGITAL, except by disconnecting your TV from the converter and connecting it directly to the antenna (through the analog input terminals). The stations that are not required to "go digital" are generally low-power local/community channels. In my area that means that if I "go digital" I won't be able to recieve about four "independent It may be very difficult to determine if a low-power "indy" channel intends to switch to digital. They can switch if they want to, but aren't required to change if their broadcast power is low enough. If you need access to a channel that will remain analog, you need a converter that is - - (trumpet chorus, and drum roll) - - PASSTHROUGH CAPABLE. This means that the converter must be able to convert the digital signal to analog if you want a digital channel, but simply lets the analog signal "pass through" to the TV if you want an analog channel. VERY FEW PASSTHROUGH CAPABLE CONVERTERS ARE LIKELY TO BE FOUND except in areas where there is expected to be lots of demand for them. They probably will be somewhat more expensive than the basic converters likely to be pushed by retailers. If you don't need one, you'll probalby just want one of the "ordinary" converters. An "official announcement" has been made by the FCC that converters "will go on sale" this month. The rebate coupons from the gov to "assist the public" will not be available until later. I've seen NO INFORMATION on whether the retailer is supposed to redeem the coupon, or if it's a mail-in with "proof of purchase" or some other "method." Since this is a Federal program, I'm not making any assumptions. If you plan to use a coupon, you will want a written assurance from your seller that the coupon will be honored when/if you come back in with one later, and specific instructions for what receipts or other documentation you'll need to keep handy.(?) Claims are being made that the digital signal, through the converter, will eliminate "noise" in your TV's image. In most cases this likely will be true to some extent. In some remote areas, where the antenna signal is at noise level it may mean that you will receive NOTHING. If you suspect this might apply, let your stupid/rich neighbor get his converter first, and then go watch a football game at his place before deciding whether you need a better antenna, signal amplifiers, filters, antenna rotator, and a tall tower - or need to do some minor deforestation to get clear line-of-sight to the transmitter antenna for the channels that are wanted. John |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: GUEST,goodlife Date: 18 Feb 08 - 02:39 PM As far as i know you will only need a sky box or a freeview box on your old system and if you record from these there should not be any problem of course you could always buy a new tv usually the freeview is built in as far as the new hd you need special equipment to view |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Feb 08 - 01:13 PM That man oughtta have his own MudPage of Tech topics here. JiK, please don't forget I always need the Stupid Version please! Thanks, ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: Stilly River Sage Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:38 PM I'll add to this: Will standard VCRs or DVRs record HD programs? Is there a cascade of defunct equipment with the change in TVs? JohnInKansas, where are you? SRS |
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Subject: Tech: The TV Tech 'Revolution' From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:14 AM What a shock!!! The morning newsreader said that people have to do their homework before buying! Yes, it turns out that salespeople are giving wrong info, just to make a sale! Apparently I canNOT trust my local minimum-wage worker to put me right! :~) Shocked! Seriously, what are we going to NEED to run and capture decent-quality images for the future? I need to know for recording and archiving all those folk-music-channel music videos (and a few hockey games). ~Susan |
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