In the switch 2 Digital TV tht the FCC is initiating, r there any new channels or is it still antenna channels
Just a question that i was wondering, I was reading an article about the new switch to Digital Television and i was wondering if it is still antenna channels that anyone would receive or would there be new special digital channels that everyone would receive?
Tagged with: antenna • digital channels • digital television
Filed under: Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, there are new digital channels being broadcast over the air. Because more digital TV can be squeezed into the same 6 MHz bandwidth used by analog TV, many stations are doing, what is called, multicasting. For example, if a station is known as channel 2 it might be presently broadcasting channel 2, the standard analog station and at a different frequency, several digital channels. You might find the following 2.1-a 720P or 1080i HDTV channel, 2.2-a kids cartoon 480i channel, 2.3-a weather channel. All of these (2.1-2.3) would be broadcast together in one "bundle". Curiously, if you don’t use an antenna, the only channels you might receive from your cable or satellite service is 2.1.
Through my cable box, I receive 2.1. With my QAM tuner, looking at the cable directly, I receive 2, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.
This kind of multicasting can be found on many of the over the air stations.
After 2/17/09, the analog version (2) will disappear, leaving only the digital stations.
Right now, all TV stations broadcasting over the air are sending digital and analog signals.
In February 2009, they will stop sending the analog signals. So only digital signals will be sent. That is the only change that is being made.
This only affects people that use an antennae to watch TV. Older TVs cannot understand digital signals. Newer TVs can. Digital Tuners have been required in TVs for several years.
So if you have an older TV and you use an antennae to watch TV, you will need a digital converter box to continue watching free TV. (You will NOT need to buy a new TV.) You can apply for a coupon to get a discount on the digital converter box.
As for new channels, this wouldn’t change anything. New stations might spring up, but it has nothing to do with this.
The digital switch will open up certain frequencies. Some will be used for emergency channels, but some will be auctioned off to businesses and used for other reasons (wireless access,etc.).