3 years from now

[KC2ESD]

Feb 17th 2009: Analog TV will come to an end per the FCC. HDTV is here and will be here in full by 2009. Digital TV was originally going to be infect by 2006 according the the Telecommincations act of 1996, It was exended to 2009 because some stations were not ready for HDTV Transmission. I'm possibly getting a HDTV Friday Feb 17th, A gift to my self for my 45th B-Day on the 19th. Your analog TV will need a conveter box after 2009 deadline. I suggest you get a HDTV in the next 3 years. Oh the Olympics, NASCAR, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey (Olympic and NHL) and of course Football is great in HTDV (I see them at work in the Casino Bar I work at) Its Time I jump in the HDTV pool.
Rick KC2ESD

[kf6rdn]

http://boortz.com/images/funny/redneck_pics_flatscreentv.jpg

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[K8ERV]

I object to the Gov cramming down my throat unwanted programs that increase my cost of living. I am perfectly satisfied NOT watching my present TV. I never turn it on, but my wife does. Bad Dog!!!

When is the last time you ever heard of a Gov program aimed at REDUCING the cost of living?

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (K8ERV @ Feb. 17 2006,06:11)]I object to the Gov cramming down my throat unwanted programs that increase my cost of living. I am perfectly satisfied NOT watching my present TV. I never turn it on, but my wife does. Bad Dog!!!

When is the last time you ever heard of a Gov program aimed at REDUCING the cost of living?

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo
It is worse than that. The government has earmarked BILLION$ to provide digital TV converters to the masses. Apparently, TV for the voters is a more sacred right than being able to keep my hard-earned money. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[ac4ut]

If I understand correctly satellite customers will still be able to use their analog TV's without a hitch and you can always employ a converter otherwise.
However I will not tell my wife these fact so I can justfy buying a new plasma big screen...... soon!
Shhhhhh be very, very quiet about this.

[w8wlc]

Yeah digi TV what a blast. The picture quality is great and at times I swear I could put my hand in the screen and touch whats there. However not cool is watching the digi sig fade for a split second and getting a screen half full of blocks and losing sound. Digi TV is far from perfect yet.

[WA3KYY]

Quote[/b] (ac4ut @ Feb. 17 2006,07:34)]If I understand correctly satellite customers will still be able to use their analog TV's without a hitch and you can always employ a converter otherwise.
However I will not tell my wife these fact so I can justfy buying a new plasma big screen...... soon!
Shhhhhh be very, very quiet about this.
Be careful of which plasma TV you get. You could end up no longer able to use you radios when the TV is on. Many models produce horrendous RF hash all over the spectrum.

[WA3KYY]

Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Feb. 17 2006,01:23)]Feb 17th 2009: Analog TV will come to an end per the FCC. HDTV is here and will be here in full by 2009. Digital TV was originally going to be infect by 2006 according the the Telecommincations act of 1996, It was exended to 2009 because some stations were not ready for HDTV Transmission. I'm possibly getting a HDTV Friday Feb 17th, A gift to my self for my 45th B-Day on the 19th. Your analog TV will need a conveter box after 2009 deadline. I suggest you get a HDTV in the next 3 years. Oh the Olympics, NASCAR, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey (Olympic and NHL) and of course Football is great in HTDV (I see them at work in the Casino Bar I work at) Its Time I jump in the HDTV pool.
Rick KC2ESD
I thought the major reason for the delay was not the broadcasters but the lack of market penetration for the digital TV sets. Didn't the legislation specify an minimum percentage of households with digital reception capabilities before the switch over took place?

BTW, most cable and satellite users will not need to buy a new TV if they don't want to. Only over the air reception will require a new TV or a converter box initially.

[ac3p]

No more TV DXing either. The picture is either there or a blue screen.

No more P3 signals coming in from 1000 miles away on 54-60 Mhz.

On the brighter side, good bye to TVI on 6 meters.

[KF0RT]

My friends who have HDTV tell me that it's really great for sports, but not much use otherwise.

I don't watch much TV and don't watch ANY sports (OK, maybe a half-hour of the Olympics here and there), so won't be buying into the HDTV craze. Maybe when they switch over, it will be the excuse I need to get rid of the TV.

73, Rob

[AG3Y]

Yah, I saw HDTV in a store a few months ago, where one of those shiny-topped basketball players was being interviewed. You could see the reflection of the cameraman on his scalp ! Just what I want to spend thousands of dollars for !

Regarding Plasma displays, everything I have heard about their short life is apparently true. A friend who works where they have some set up for running informational demos says that they had to replace 30,000 dollars worth of them in only about a years time ! Of course, that may translate to 3 or 4 years in the home, but they are still too expensive for my taste.

I'm on the satellite for the time being, and perfectly happy with the picture quality I'm getting !

73, Jim

[KC2ESD]

I'm getting a HDTV because just like radio I'm facinated with the technology. Also of course for sports (Baseball looks great in HDTV) and for watching DVDs.
Rick KC2ESD Lover of Radio, Video and Dogs too.

[KD8COO]

The best I can do is a fuzzy, static-filled picture on my analog TV. Digital would probably not be able to give me a picture at all! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[WD8OQX]

I've said this before & I'll say it again - Until they start making shows worth the bother of watching it won't make any difference one Iota! Crap is still crap! HD or not....

[N9XR]

Quote[/b] ]I've said this before & I'll say it again - Until they start making shows worth the bother of watching it won't make any difference one Iota! Crap is still crap! HD or not....

Settle down my poor "Lord of the Rings" DVD set. OQX did not mean what he said. He was talking about OTHER movies and programs. Yes my precious DVD's. That's right. You are appreciated.

[ai4ep]

...but will the programs be worth watching ?

...or will we be watching season 7 of LOST,
a CSI show of every major city in the continental USA, and will OPRAH be married by then ?

AI4EP

[VK2XXL]

Well because its a new digital technology with no ghosting, it means if i ever get a liner Amplifier i will be able to operate it at full legal power with the Antenna pointing right at my neighbours house without knocking his TV off the air http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

But still i don’t see the need to get a new TV any time soon, here in Australia they are talking about shutting down the Analogue system by 2008.

I am very much into Jazz music and the music that was recorded on the analogue reel to reel tape recorders to me has a warmer nicer tone than the digital stuff they use today

Im not getting a new TV or set top box until i have to http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N2ACX]

Here comes the Hype on HDTV and what in my opinion is more attempts at selling people a line of confusion and nonsence like the 'power out' of small stereo systems using the "standards' that give the highest numbers for output when in reality it may have been 80% lower.

Example......which is better 1080I or 720P ? Don't let the "hype masters" put one over on ya.

Digital TV (http://alvyray.com/DigitalTV/default.htm)

Looks like FOX network is ahead of everyone in converting over and the correct format.

73 Gary N2ACX

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]The government has earmarked BILLION$ to provide digital TV converters to the masses.
Details, please. Where and how do I apply?

Also, anyone sufficiently familiar with converter boxes to recommend some?

[AG3Y]

Quote[/b] (KD8COO @ Feb. 17 2006,19:20)]The best I can do is a fuzzy, static-filled picture on my analog TV. #Digital would probably not be able to give me a picture at all! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Do you have a "clear view of the southern sky" ? If so, you have no excuse NOT to have "DirecTV" ™ Unless you cannot afford it, that is !

"satellites forever"

73, Jim

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Feb. 19 2006,04:45)]Quote[/b] ]The government has earmarked BILLION$ to provide digital TV converters to the masses.
Details, please. Where and how do I apply?

Also, anyone sufficiently familiar with converter boxes to recommend some?
Looks like it will be a scramble (http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/04/technology/pluggedin_digitaltv/), with most people losing out.

Quote[/b] ]People are supposed to apply for the vouchers during a three-month window in 2008, and use them within three months. But there probably won't be enough vouchers to go around, and no one really knows how much converter boxes will cost. Disadvantaged people are most likely to be left behind in the scramble.

[KF0RT]

It's just one more place where the government has no business.

73, Rob

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (KF0RT @ Feb. 19 2006,11:14)]It's just one more place where the government has no business.

73, Rob
Amen.

[KD8COO]

Quote[/b] (AG3Y @ Feb. 19 2006,10:09)]Quote[/b] (KD8COO @ Feb. 17 2006,19:20)]The best I can do is a fuzzy, static-filled picture on my analog TV. #Digital would probably not be able to give me a picture at all! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Do you have a "clear view of the southern sky" ? #If so, you have no excuse NOT to have "DirecTV" ™ # Unless you cannot afford it, that is ! #
Satellite is very nice. But, you're right, those prices are a little steep for those of us that only have an hour or 2 a week for TV. I know they've got a lot invested in equipment and programming, but for the amount of commercials they have, it makes me wonder... If a small monthly charge can get you commercial free XM radio, why doesn't pay TV have less commercials?

[ae4fa]

Well, in that case, fill me in on what converter boxes are available now. All the stations around here have long since begun digital transmission, and I wouldn't mind seeing what's going on.

And, no, I have not done any homework on this. just have a casual interest.

[KC2ESD]

Most Over the Air stations have two channels permitted by the FCC, one analog, one Digital/HDTV. For example a local station NBC 40 has its analog on CH 40 and its digital on Ch 37.
On responce from a earler post about crappy programing. I totaly agree that most TV programs are crap and HDTV is not going to make the program content any better. HDTV will just make the crap look better. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I mainly want HDTV for Movies, sports, Nature shows, and some decent TV shows (I can only think of two, "Lost" and "Battlestar Galactica")
Rick KC2ESD

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Feb. 19 2006,13:26)]Well, in that case, fill me in on what converter boxes are available now. All the stations around here have long since begun digital transmission, and I wouldn't mind seeing what's going on.

And, no, I have not done any homework on this. just have a casual interest.
If I'm not mistaken (and someone will correct me if I am), you'll get the same programming, only in HDTV. Convert that to analog for your non-HDTV set and you'll get the same programming, without HDTV.

In other words, you'd have one more "box" and nothing else would change.

From what I'm told, HDTV really only "shines" on sporting events. Yeah, the picture is a little better on the local news and such, but what's the point? Even then, you need a new TV to see the improvement.

The converters are really for using the new signal on an old receiver once the old signals are no longer available. So far, there's no real purpose and that's probably why people aren't clamoring to tell you which is best. To be honest, I've never seen one -- do they even make them yet?

73, Rob

[KC2ESD]

I have not seen a HDTV to Analog Conveter box yet, only the set top boxes so your HDTV ready TV can get HDTV.
I'm not waiting for a Goverment hand out for a conveter box. I just bought a HDTV ready set, the Toshiba 26HF85. I need to get the set top box to see HDTV but I'v connected a Progressive scan DVD player and I'll say DVDs are impressive and HDTV is going to be even better. I'm upgrading slowly to HDTV over the next 3 years, starting with the 26" Toshiba.
Rick KC2ESD

[k9zmd]

Consider the future, like maybe a decade down the road. #HDTV is using a wide signal to deliver a high def picture that is, for most purposes, unappreciated even when distinguishable from the long-forgotten analog picture. #Here's the poor broadcaster, selling advertising time for that single channel and wondering where his next yacht is coming from. # Then, answer to a prayer, the accounting genious pipes up about how this digital stuff is like magic the way the spectrum for one channel can be split into three channels. #The pic will still be better than analog, and no one will be able to tell the difference. #So boss, he sez, that's how we can sell three times as much advertising time!

If I can think of this, so can they. #Wait now, from the broadcasters' boardrooms of the future, I think I hear a faint, "Scratch three channels . . . let's go for six!" #

So techno-folks, am I too far off the mark?

Gary, K9ZMD
Palmdale, CA

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]I just bought a HDTV ready set, the Toshiba 26HF85. I need to get the set top box to see HDTV
What?

You need the HDTV AND a set-top box for the sucker to work?

What a scam!

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Feb. 20 2006,06:00)]You need the HDTV AND a set-top box for the sucker to work?

What a scam!
Welcome to "The Future!" And don't forget to buy a Media PC to run it all.

Won't THAT be cool!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

73, Rob

[w8wlc]

Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Feb. 19 2006,00:21)]I've said this before & I'll say it again - Until they start making shows worth the bother of watching it won't make any difference one Iota! Crap is still crap! HD or not....
My tuner is usually set on either
Discovery, PBS or the history channel and some of the other channels worthy of viewing. None of that lame network trailer trash shows cross the screen here.On another note why do the powers that be in Hollywood feel they have to ruin a great movie by inserting a sex scene in it? I can get plenty of my own action without having to watch a couple fake it.

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (w8wlc @ Feb. 20 2006,06:57)]Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Feb. 19 2006,00:21)]I've said this before & I'll say it again - Until they start making shows worth the bother of watching it won't make any difference one Iota! Crap is still crap! HD or not....
My tuner is usually set on either
Discovery, PBS or the history channel and some of the other channels worthy of viewing. None of that lame network trailer trash shows cross the screen here.On another note why do the powers that be in Hollywood feel they have to ruin a great movie by inserting a sex scene in it? I can get plenty of my own action without having to watch a couple fake it.

I agree on all points.

Hottest Gals of the North (http://images.google.com/images?q=eskimo+woman&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images)

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (k9zmd @ Feb. 20 2006,00:15)]Consider the future, like maybe a decade down the road. HDTV is using a wide signal to deliver a high def picture that is, for most purposes, unappreciated even when distinguishable from the long-forgotten analog picture. Here's the poor broadcaster, selling advertising time for that single channel and wondering where his next yacht is coming from. Then, answer to a prayer, the accounting genious pipes up about how this digital stuff is like magic the way the spectrum for one channel can be split into three channels. The pic will still be better than analog, and no one will be able to tell the difference. So boss, he sez, that's how we can sell three times as much advertising time!

If I can think of this, so can they. Wait now, from the broadcasters' boardrooms of the future, I think I hear a faint, "Scratch three channels . . . let's go for six!"

So techno-folks, am I too far off the mark?

Gary, K9ZMD
Palmdale, CA
Since one of my schticks is running a cable TV plant, I can say with authority that we are currently running 4 digital TV channels in a single, 6 kHz channel slot, and in other places the count is higher.

The other thing to consider is that digital subcarriers may be used to push digital data, similar to what is already being done with certain FM radio transmissions where low-speed GPS offset data is embedded in a subaudible stream.

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (w8wlc @ Feb. 20 2006,06:57)]Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Feb. 19 2006,00:21)]I've said this before & I'll say it again - Until they start making shows worth the bother of watching it won't make any difference one Iota! Crap is still crap! HD or not....
My tuner is usually set on either
Discovery, PBS or the history channel and some of the other channels worthy of viewing. None of that lame network trailer trash shows cross the screen here.On another note why do the powers that be in Hollywood feel they have to ruin a great movie by inserting a sex scene in it? I can get plenty of my own action without having to watch a couple fake it.
Worse is reading about it on a ham site. Feel free to keep that stuff to yerself! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73, Rob

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (al2i @ Feb. 20 2006,07:16)]Since one of my schticks is running a cable TV plant, I can say with authority that we are currently running 4 digital TV channels in a single, 6 kHz channel slot, and in other places the count is higher.
4 digital channels in a 6 kHz slot? That's some pretty serious compression you're running there!

73, Rob

[W2ILP]

New digital TV standards will provide for a wider screen aspect ratio and more square pixels per square inch....but will TV programming provide for a broader political aspect or just more criminals per frame?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

The new TV standards are not supposed to take more than 6 MHz per channel and thus may not be any more broad minded than the old TV standards. Like the Internet... future TV may have the possibility of interacting. This could be dangerous. There are some programs that even I wouldn't want to interact with. I prefer to be a silent watcher.

Don't worry... There will be set top boxes available that will let you see the new digital programs on any old analog TV set. This is just like the interfaces we hams can use to work old RTTY on a modern computer that has a high speed cable modem....only backwards.

w2ilp (Interactive Living Pixels)...and Dolby surrounded sound.

[W2ILP]

Yep... They can put 4 channels in one 6 MHz frame just like you can put up four windows on a PC... but each channel will not have the same resolution as when you use the whole 6 MHz for one channel. The Japanese have also used a method that allows two adjacent channels to produce a single super high resolution picture. The 2 x 6 MHz BW + 2 x 4 MHz guard band spaces = 20 MHz BW. They might then receive the 20 MHz signal on a tiny walk man hand held receiver where the pixels will be shown by nano bio technology.

Yep... Up until now the Japanese always made everything smaller...but now they are making bigger flat screen displays. I dunno why. Size doesn't matter to many people.... And bigger may not always be better...and some people might have even liked TV better before it was flat.

w2ilp (Immense Looking Pictures)...will turn heads.

[KC2ESD]

Quote[/b] ]You need the HDTV AND a set-top box for the sucker to work?

What a scam!

Its no scam, HDTVs with a ATSC reciever built in cost right now about $1000. I don't have that much to spend on a TV Right now, I live in New Jersey, a state with the highest Property Taxes and crappy wages in the southern part of the state. In 2007 the FCC will requiere all HDTVs to have a ATSC tuner built in, by that time prices on HDTV should be even lower then now.
BTW what is it with a lot of you hams here? It seems that most of you here are rejecting HDTV. I'm suprised most of you don't want to embrace the new Video Technology. How is Amateur Radio going to go on in to the Future if the Majority rejects new technology.
Rick KC2ESD

[W0LPQ]

Rejecting it .... come now ... if you don't watch much TV now, what does HDTV have to do with it?

Personally I could care less. Watch very little anyway. Do not plan to blow that kind of money on new stuff if it sets idle..! What's the point?

Bill, W0LPQ

[KC2ESD]

OK Rejection of HDTV is excusable if:
1) You don't watch TV or very little if it.
2) Poor Eyesight, if you eyes can't see clearly HDTV will not help, just stick to you standerd TV or play with the Radio.
3) Low Finances, Thats excusable now but HDTVs prices are dropping, I bought mine for $499 and its a great picture. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Just wait 6 months and prices will be lower, just in time for the next Football season.

Rick KC2ESD
BTW INHD and Discovery HD are awesome. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N0WVA]

I live in a fringe area and get my TV signals thru an antenna and amp. Still using low loss twinlead. Are there any garauntees that the digital signal will make the haul? Im happy with analog.

Also, anyone here notice the flatscreen TV's seem to be "pixelated"? My friend has one with direct tv and when any motion is present, the picture seems to smear and "pixelate". My CRT tv doesnt do this at all.

I think in reality it boils down to money and control. Right now we can tape broadcasts and watch them free of charge. When everything goes digital, complete protection can be had, and we can be made to pay for every single thing, even recording a program when you are at work....even reception of that signal. I think radio is heading in the same direction.

Down with digital.....stick it to da man.

[KC2ESD]

Quote[/b] ]I think in reality it boils down to money and control. Right now we can tape broadcasts and watch them free of charge. When everything goes digital, complete protection can be had, and we can be made to pay for every single thing, even recording a program when you are at work....even reception of that signal. I think radio is heading in the same direction.

Down with digital.....

Do you realy think that is going to happen? Look at Digital Radio, both XM and Sirius are not doing as well as they hoped. Most people still listen to analog radio because its free.
As far as paying to see events like the Superbowl and the Olympics in the future in a pay per view format I don't think it would fly since we can see these events now for free (ok you do have to pay for cable). As far as copy protection: There will always be Digital Piracy, just look at music now, you can down load songs over the internet for free, its not legal but how are you going to stop millions of kids from doing it? They can't stop it now for god's sakes. I think you will still be able to record TV programs while you are at work, even now there are DVRs for recording HDTV programs now.

73 de Rick KC2ESD off to work (Have to pay the Cable Bill hi hi)

[KL7FZ]

3 years from now.....everything up to 2 years and 364 days from now will be history.
Keep the code!!
Oh I just had to do it! HAW!


KL7FZ

[N9MOQ]

Digital TV was originally going to be infect by 2006 according the the Telecommincations act of 1996, It was extended to 2009.

Does history repeat itself?

[KC2ESD]

Wow this thread is back, I forgot all about it. Its 3/16/08, 11 months to go to full HDTV. I still have only one HDTV and have added to it a Blu-Ray player (a Playstation 3). I'm still impressed with my TV two years later and Blu-Ray Rocks. More HD channels have been added but not enough IMHO (Comcast is slow as their Slowskey Turtles when it come to upgrading). I just don't get to watch my HDTV much, the kids Hog the TV.:D

73 de Rick KC2ESD

[n2ize]

Its no scam, HDTVs with a ATSC reciever built in cost right now about $1000. I don't have that much to spend on a TV Right now, I live in New Jersey, a state with the highest Property Taxes and crappy wages in the southern part of the state. In 2007 the FCC will requiere all HDTVs to have a ATSC tuner built in, by that time prices on HDTV should be even lower then now.
BTW what is it with a lot of you hams here? It seems that most of you here are rejecting HDTV. I'm suprised most of you don't want to embrace the new Video Technology. How is Amateur Radio going to go on in to the Future if the Majority rejects new technology.
Rick KC2ESD

Buying a HDTV has nothing to do with accepting or rejecting new technology. All you are proving by buying an HDTV is that you are buying and using a new appliance. It doesn't prove that you know or understand anything about the inner workings of the technology.

I know a couple of people who are quite adept in the engineering and design of these types of devices. Yet one of them doesn;t even own a tv set. Buying a hi tech appliance versus embracing and understanding the technology are two different things.

[n2ize]

As far as I'm concerned that can take HDTV and shove it. I don't watch TV anyway. The only broadcast TV I presently own is a batter operated pocked colour portable. And when they switch to digital TV even that will be useless. And I won't miss it because I rarely use it now. 90% of the stuff on TV is garbage as far as I'm concerned.

For me the computer has made television obsolete. All the stuff I want I can watch via computer in digital or DVD format. And most of the stuff I watch doesn't require HD because I watch mostly old movies and tv shows which were origionally filmed in black and white and made in the 1920's - 1960's. Plus I can use the same computer for a billion other uses as well. I'd rather buy a couple more computers than waste my money on a HDTV that I'll never use anyway.

[W4HAY]

I just received the vouchers for my two converter boxes for my two off-the-air sets. Now if Wally-World will just get the converters in stock...

Know sumpin'? Looking at HD and standard TV at the distance I would normally view from, i.e. across the room, I can't tell the difference!

[K8ERV]

IZE: HEAR-HEAR!!!

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo