HD TV Debacle - Aircraft of World War II

Njaco · 11-27-2007, 10:14 PM

Ok, need some help with this.

I don't have cable. I refuse to contribute to a monopoly that keeps increasing rates and decreasing service. So I'm a rabbit-ear expert.

The other day I got a used TV for my daughter's room but I needed an antenna. Went to the local Target store to find one. When I couldn't, I asked an employee where they were. He showed me and proceeded to tell me that within a year they would obsolete and non-funtional.

Now I know Congress a year or two ago passed a law changing TV to HD but what I was told by that employee was that it would render the rabbit-ears ineffective and for anyone to get any TV channels they would have to subscribe to a cable channel or Satellite dish or FiOs type service - at extra cost.

Is this true? I know they were changing the TV types but wasn't aware that it involved taking away analog reception! How can they do this?

mkloby · 11-27-2007, 10:37 PM

Man - if I took away SOAPnet from the wife, I'd be in trouble!

I learned early that if Mama's not happy, nobody's happy.

comiso90 · 11-27-2007, 10:54 PM

It is 100% true that HD is coming - like it or not. It is also true that stations will be forced to broadcast in HD. That does not mean that your local station will necessarily discontinue broadcasting in SD (Standard Definition). many stations will provide duel broadcasts...

Check with your local TV stations.. I'm sure the will have info on their web site.

ABC.com - HDTV FAQ's

.

Njaco · 11-27-2007, 11:13 PM

Thanks Comiso. I was aware of the HD changes just not the ramifications. Well, my DVD player is gonna get a work out then.

comiso90 · 11-27-2007, 11:18 PM

That doesn't mean they're going to stop SD broadcasts.... you may be OK

Like I said:
That does not mean that your local station will necessarily discontinue broadcasting in SD (Standard Definition). many stations will provide duel broadcasts...

Check with your local TV stations.. I'm sure the will have info on their web site

Njaco · 11-27-2007, 11:25 PM

I understand. But you know in time, SD will go the way of Beta cassettes. It just seems alittle off the wall for Congress to mandate this stuff and have the companies charge us for what was once free. Like air at gas stations.

So I need to:

1. Throw out my TV and get one that is HD compatable. $$$$
2. Throw out my antenna and get a tuner. $$$$
3. Throw out my antenna and get cable. $$$$
4. Do a SDTV dance around a burning Philips set and pray my local stations continue to broadcast in SD.
5. Take up oragami.

Torch · 11-27-2007, 11:41 PM

If your freaking now wait till you have to dump a cnote on an HDMI cable so that you can take advantage of the HDTV, oh and another HDMI for your DVD player, oh yeah forgot fiber optic cables too. And a Monster Cable AC stabilizer/protector for atleast 500.00 big ones. Plus almost 100.00 for Comcast programming which those sobs don't even tell you how to configure the damn thing when you pick it up.

comiso90 · 11-27-2007, 11:50 PM

Eventually... it could be 10 years before they stop broadcasting SD entirely.. by that time, your TV will have to be replaced anyway

I bought a 52 inch HDTV 6 years ago for $4000 and I didnt have any HD!.. but it was worth every penny because it has an awesome digital picture.

Now you can buy similar TVs for $1,300!

Such is technology!

Before there was HDTV (not to confuse but there are several different kinds of HDTV), there were basically 3 systems world wide:

NTSC
PAL
SECAM

The U.S. and some other counties use NTSC which is the first and the absolute WORST!

The French have a much better signal than we do! It's been 50 years, it's time for a upgrade.

hold on to your TV, make sure your local stations will broadcast in SD ( i'm sure they will) and when your TV breaks... upgrade to HD... it probably wont cost anymore money

INVEST IN "E-WASTE"!!!!

comiso90 · 11-28-2007, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torch

If your freaking now wait till you have to dump a cnote on an HDMI cable so that you can take advantage of the HDTV, oh and another HDMI for your DVD player, oh yeah forgot fiber optic cables too. And a Monster Cable AC stabilizer/protector for atleast 500.00 big ones. Plus almost 100.00 for Comcast programming which those sobs don't even tell you how to configure the damn thing when you pick it up.

I've never seen a system that REQUIRES HDMI or a optical cable... or monster cable because they don't exist!

Sure those things cost more money but you have options:
All systems have alternative input and outputs
S-Video
Component
Composite Video
RCA audio
BnC Digital Audio

You can use any of the options and get a perfectly fine picture and audio .. for pennies! Cheaper cables often come free. If you are frustrated, you are choosing to spend that money needlessly... Do research, shop around, buy on-line.

If you dont want the fancy cables... don't buy them!

If you are paying $500, then my friend.... it's out of misinformation. Sounds like a seventeen year old on commission got a hold of you!!!! Or you are buying at Radio Shack, Sears or Best Buy..

I just bought a HDMI package at Costco for cheap!

1. You dont have to buy the expensive cables
2. If you choose to (you should they are worth it) buy on-line!

A 15 second search produced this HDMI Cable for $13.00..
HDMI Cable 6ft

C-Note! Dude, research!

As far as your comment on Comcast goes.... I agree! It will get worse as they providers consolidate!

.

evangilder · 11-28-2007, 01:10 AM

There are companies right now creating converter boxes to got from the HD to your standard TV. Word is that there will be a government voucher program to make them affordable as well.

I read an article about it a while back. Let me see if I can find it.

evangilder · 11-28-2007, 01:12 AM

Ah, here it is:

$40 DTV box subsidy: Is it enough? | Crave : The gadget blog

pbfoot · 11-28-2007, 07:22 AM

I've had HD for 3 years now and its worth it, the first year i was disappointed with the quality of HD but it was my stupidity as I never used the proper cable (DVI) that came with the unit

Graeme · 11-28-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Njaco

Is this true? I know they were changing the TV types but wasn't aware that it involved taking away analog reception! How can they do this?

Over here the plan is to remove the analogue signal by around 2020, however we will still be using antennas in country areas to receive digital signals. Major cities will be using cable. You can buy a 'set-top-box' (around $A100) and watch HDTV on an analogue television, however superior viewing can be seen on LCD.

One 'rumour' is that when they broadcast only digital signals they will be able to encode it to prevent recording of programs-so the viewer must endure the commercials to see the entire program. Any thoughts on this Comiso?

mkloby · 11-28-2007, 08:14 AM

Maybe it's just me - but I am completely disinterested in HDTV. What the hell do I care if the NY of the giants' helmets comes in a little clearer.

I have several TVs, they all work, and I have no intention of pouring money into a several thousand dollar TV when I will get 0 benefit out of it.

There are many guys out there that absolutely love it, however. I read that HDTVs have one of the highest product return rates of consumer electronics due to peoples' disappointment with the product and HD service.

Njaco · 11-28-2007, 08:35 AM

I'm with you entirely, Mkloby. I may go alittle further without the cable and I have nothing against HD but I can't stand when it appears I'm being force-fed something while my pockets are robbed.

Oh for the days of coat-hangers and tin-foil.

11-27-2007, 10:14 PM	#1
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	HD TV Debacle Ok, need some help with this. I don't have cable. I refuse to contribute to a monopoly that keeps increasing rates and decreasing service. So I'm a rabbit-ear expert. The other day I got a used TV for my daughter's room but I needed an antenna. Went to the local Target store to find one. When I couldn't, I asked an employee where they were. He showed me and proceeded to tell me that within a year they would obsolete and non-funtional. Now I know Congress a year or two ago passed a law changing TV to HD but what I was told by that employee was that it would render the rabbit-ears ineffective and for anyone to get any TV channels they would have to subscribe to a cable channel or Satellite dish or FiOs type service - at extra cost. Is this true? I know they were changing the TV types but wasn't aware that it involved taking away analog reception! How can they do this? __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

11-27-2007, 10:37 PM	#2
mkloby Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 3,562	Man - if I took away SOAPnet from the wife, I'd be in trouble! I learned early that if Mama's not happy, nobody's happy. __________________ If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines

11-27-2007, 10:54 PM	#3
comiso90 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FL Posts: 3,294	It is 100% true that HD is coming - like it or not. It is also true that stations will be forced to broadcast in HD. That does not mean that your local station will necessarily discontinue broadcasting in SD (Standard Definition). many stations will provide duel broadcasts... Check with your local TV stations.. I'm sure the will have info on their web site. ABC.com - HDTV FAQ's . __________________ http://www.BOOKSonWAR.com/ . Last edited by comiso90; 11-27-2007 at 11:01 PM.

11-27-2007, 11:13 PM	#4
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	Thanks Comiso. I was aware of the HD changes just not the ramifications. Well, my DVD player is gonna get a work out then. __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

11-27-2007, 11:18 PM	#5
comiso90 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FL Posts: 3,294	That doesn't mean they're going to stop SD broadcasts.... you may be OK Like I said: That does not mean that your local station will necessarily discontinue broadcasting in SD (Standard Definition). many stations will provide duel broadcasts... Check with your local TV stations.. I'm sure the will have info on their web site __________________ http://www.BOOKSonWAR.com/ .

11-27-2007, 11:25 PM	#6
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	I understand. But you know in time, SD will go the way of Beta cassettes. It just seems alittle off the wall for Congress to mandate this stuff and have the companies charge us for what was once free. Like air at gas stations. So I need to: 1. Throw out my TV and get one that is HD compatable. $$$$ 2. Throw out my antenna and get a tuner. $$$$ 3. Throw out my antenna and get cable. $$$$ 4. Do a SDTV dance around a burning Philips set and pray my local stations continue to broadcast in SD. 5. Take up oragami. __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

11-27-2007, 11:41 PM	#7
Torch Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 503	If your freaking now wait till you have to dump a cnote on an HDMI cable so that you can take advantage of the HDTV, oh and another HDMI for your DVD player, oh yeah forgot fiber optic cables too. And a Monster Cable AC stabilizer/protector for atleast 500.00 big ones. Plus almost 100.00 for Comcast programming which those sobs don't even tell you how to configure the damn thing when you pick it up. __________________ As I shifted into 5th gear I couldn't remember a word she said!

11-27-2007, 11:50 PM	#8
comiso90 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FL Posts: 3,294	Eventually... it could be 10 years before they stop broadcasting SD entirely.. by that time, your TV will have to be replaced anyway I bought a 52 inch HDTV 6 years ago for $4000 and I didnt have any HD!.. but it was worth every penny because it has an awesome digital picture. Now you can buy similar TVs for $1,300! Such is technology! Before there was HDTV (not to confuse but there are several different kinds of HDTV), there were basically 3 systems world wide: NTSC PAL SECAM The U.S. and some other counties use NTSC which is the first and the absolute WORST! The French have a much better signal than we do! It's been 50 years, it's time for a upgrade. hold on to your TV, make sure your local stations will broadcast in SD ( i'm sure they will) and when your TV breaks... upgrade to HD... it probably wont cost anymore money INVEST IN "E-WASTE"!!!! __________________ http://www.BOOKSonWAR.com/ . Last edited by comiso90; 11-28-2007 at 12:11 AM.

11-28-2007, 01:10 AM	#10
evangilder "Shooter" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 14,803	There are companies right now creating converter boxes to got from the HD to your standard TV. Word is that there will be a government voucher program to make them affordable as well. I read an article about it a while back. Let me see if I can find it. __________________ http://www.vg-photo.com For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. Leonardo Da Vinci

11-28-2007, 01:12 AM	#11
evangilder "Shooter" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 14,803	Ah, here it is: $40 DTV box subsidy: Is it enough? \| Crave : The gadget blog __________________ http://www.vg-photo.com For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. Leonardo Da Vinci

11-28-2007, 07:22 AM	#12
pbfoot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: niagara falls Posts: 5,585	I've had HD for 3 years now and its worth it, the first year i was disappointed with the quality of HD but it was my stupidity as I never used the proper cable (DVI) that came with the unit

11-28-2007, 08:14 AM	#14
mkloby Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 3,562	Maybe it's just me - but I am completely disinterested in HDTV. What the hell do I care if the NY of the giants' helmets comes in a little clearer. I have several TVs, they all work, and I have no intention of pouring money into a several thousand dollar TV when I will get 0 benefit out of it. There are many guys out there that absolutely love it, however. I read that HDTVs have one of the highest product return rates of consumer electronics due to peoples' disappointment with the product and HD service. __________________ If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines

11-28-2007, 08:35 AM	#15
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	I'm with you entirely, Mkloby. I may go alittle further without the cable and I have nothing against HD but I can't stand when it appears I'm being force-fed something while my pockets are robbed. Oh for the days of coat-hangers and tin-foil. __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

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