Will you miss analog TV at all after Feb 2009? - Blu-ray Forum

tron3 · 12-19-2007, 06:18 PM

No point in having a poll because I am sure the answer would be a resounding "good riddance". So, now you are wondering, why would I make such a statement?

A great many people, like myself, still receive only terrestrial transmission for TV. I know, sounds shocking coming from a "blu-blood" guy like myself, but as of now, I do not pay for TV. I get great digital reception with more channels and only 1% or 2% of the reception problems I had with analog.

Which is why I might miss analog. Sometimes the picture looked like crap, but you know what... you still received a picture. Because digital uses UHF channels the digital signals tend to "bounce" more than VHF which passed more easily through buildings and such. Getting digital broadcasts in your area may be harder than some of those "fringe" channels in analog. Pretty good chance you will loose the digital equivilent altogether unless there is a big signal boost.

Ultimately I fear a large portion of the public being without TV come 2009 if a disaster strikes. Many a person will not be on notice of a pending storm or other evacuations in time of catastrophy. I am doubtful EVERYONE in America is going to have a new digital TV. Even with those cheap SD digital tube TV's hidden in the back of best buy. The FCC will only allow the switch if 80% or more of the public have digital TV, or digital tuner converter box.

Not to mention what will happen to our landfills with millions of TV's filling them? Will a "perfectly good TV" still be "perfectly good" once you can't get a picture on it?

I suppose another part of me is nostalgic for that soft focus warmth you get with standard definition on a tube tv. After all, even the youngest schrews spouting "analog sucks" still grew up with at least SOME analog TV. Will we all soon forget the "horror" of SDTV and become jaded? Some day you won't even have the option of switching back just for the comparison.

"What's wrong with this picture, daddy?"
"That's an old DVD you're watching, Billy. That's what they used before HDTV existed."
"Is this how all TV looked like when you grew up, Daddy?"
"Sometimes worse than that, Billy. ... Sometimes worse than that. But we were glad to have it."

DrinkMore · 12-19-2007, 06:25 PM

Lol. Yeah, good by, so long, don't come back! It's amazing it lasted this long to be honest. I guess DVD's will be the only comparison available anymore, maybe VHS and LD for an even truer comparison. That's if the players are still around then.

WickyWoo · 12-19-2007, 06:29 PM

You can buy a converter box for like $50, and cable will continue SD compatible transmission

My problem is that even though I'm only about 4 miles from the towers, if it's windy I don't have good reception on digital

tron3 · 12-19-2007, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrinkMore

Lol. Yeah, good by, so long, don't come back! It's amazing it lasted this long to be honest. I guess DVD's will be the only comparison available anymore, maybe VHS and LD for an even truer comparison. That's if the players are still around then.

Don't you realize the implications of this? It could mark the beginning of the end of "free tv". Digitally regulated TV could become taxable. Instead of paying for it with commercials, we pay for it through the nose and thusly taxed. Sounds incredibly stupid and not likely to happen? They also said gay marriage would never happen. They also said HD DVD would never survive this long. Every democrat elected also promised lower taxes and only gave us new ones. NOTHING is impossible.

Not trying to fear monger, just want to make sure free TV lives on. If now we must pay for free TV, will freedom of speech on TV still be free?

tron3 · 12-19-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

You can buy a converter box for like $50, and cable will continue SD compatible transmission

My problem is that even though I'm only about 4 miles from the towers, if it's windy I don't have good reception on digital

You are already proving my point. Ever watch those SD digital channels? I do sometimes, and artifacting is often pretty horrid. Those converter boxes aren't going to downsample a 720p picture will will look great. In essence, anyone using analog TV with a SD digital tuner may be in for a worse picture. I hope I am wrong.

DrinkMore · 12-19-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tron3

Don't you realize the implications of this? It could mark the beginning of the end of "free tv". Digitally regulated TV could become taxable. Instead of paying for it with commercials, we pay for it through the nose and thusly taxed. Sounds incredibly stupid and not likely to happen? They also said gay marriage would never happen. They also said HD DVD would never survive this long. Every democrat elected also promised lower taxes and only gave us new ones. NOTHING is impossible.

Not trying to fear monger, just want to make sure free TV lives on. If now we must pay for free TV, will freedom of speech on TV still be free?

If you have cable you already pay taxes. You pay out the ass for crap now.. so what's the difference?

Sorry, but I don't want 10 channels just to say I have it free.

WickyWoo · 12-19-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

You are already proving my point. Ever watch those SD digital channels? I do sometimes, and artifacting is often pretty horrid. Those converter boxes aren't going to downsample a 720p picture will will look great. In essence, anyone using analog TV with a SD digital tuner may be in for a worse picture. I hope I am wrong.

I think you're being paranoid about the taxes thing

The artifacting on the SD channels is horrid because they're bitstarved. Plain and simple. They have the space for 4 good quality SD channels in 19.2mbps. What a lot of them do is give 14 to the HD signal and 2-3 for 2 other SD channels

Aaron · 12-19-2007, 06:38 PM

Dish Network FTW!

tron3 · 12-19-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrinkMore

If you have cable you already pay taxes. You pay out the ass for crap now.. so what's the difference?

Sorry, but I don't want 10 channels just to say I have it free.

The difference is many people in America can NOT afford any cable or dish service. True, they are in the minority, but still entitled to TV service.

The cable and dish services are expanding. One day they will have the monopolistic control the Telco's once had. in 30 years, free TV can virtually vanish. Rather than expand the digital transmisson, only local stations and a couple of emergency stations will remain online. They may even revert back to SD digital transmission to make cable and dish a more lucrative choice.

These guys are always looking for new markets. Why do you think the cellular companies didn't balk at giving "children" the responsibility of a cell phone? Are you kidding? They rejoice at the fact in that the market developed on its own, and they didn't need to convince people to do it.

I know, sounds like I am sipping at virtual kool-aid, but I have learned that corporations remain honest only when there is no laws to be broken. Even if something is unethical, if no laws are broken, they go with it. Let's not put ourselves in gilded cages, people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

I think you're being paranoid about the taxes thing...

"Am I? Or is it you girls can't admit you have a problem." - Barney Gumble / The Simsons

We may not get taxed, but the studios might. Have to admit that is a possibility.

WickyWoo · 12-19-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

We may not get taxed, but the studios might. Have to admit that is a possibility

It's called "income taxes" that they already pay, and FCC license fees, that they again, already pay. They love the fact they can stuff 4 channels where they used to only have 1. I just wish there was something I'd actually want to watch on the alt feeds

cpgator · 12-19-2007, 09:32 PM

Currently have Directv, and all my TVs are digital - so, I won't miss it.

dakota81 · 12-19-2007, 10:57 PM

Not over the airwaves. But analog on the cable is nice, digital can go to the hdtv, analog can be split throughout rest of house, not needing to pay monthly cable box fees everywhere else.

Footloose301 · 12-20-2007, 02:46 AM

You guys do realize that going digital is a major jump for everybody. One of the main reasons for cable companies going all digital is because a single ANALOG channel uses 6mhz of bandwidth. You could fit 10-15 DIGITAL channels in that same 6mhz of bandwidth. Slowly(You may have noticed) they are taking channels from the analog lineup and moving them to the digital lineup. GSN for instance, that made a ton of older folks angry

Now they have to get a cable box to get that channel. I bet you didn't know that! Also, along with moving to digital it means there is no more snowy picture issues. Digital is all packets. Much easier to work with, more channels, better quality. SO, even though the cable company would be getting more money because everybody would be required to get digital boxes, but YOU, as the consumer, get better quality.

Also, with an antenna you will still be able to pick up off-air channels, even in 1080i.

DrinkMore · 12-20-2007, 03:33 AM

Lol - people with Comcast will argue the fact that they are getting better quality when it comes to digital.

Hence, our pixelated, blocky, dropped out pictures

me_inside · 12-20-2007, 03:41 AM

Well, over the last year or 2 I've seen many pissed off people at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc who have gotten pissed off when the salesman tells them why tube TVs are getting harder to find.

DrinkMore · 12-20-2007, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by me_inside

Well, over the last year or 2 I've seen many pissed off people at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc who have gotten pissed off when the salesman tells them why tube TVs are getting harder to find.

Not Best Buy's problem. It's how technology works. Tube tv's - GOOD RIDDANCE! They contain up to 50% lead in them. Heavy, hazardous and annoying as all hell.

WickyWoo · 12-20-2007, 04:25 AM

Seriously, the big thing is that they need to get some LCD sets down to the price where tube TVs were and ASAP. People will drop $200 on a 23-inch 16:9EDTV to replace their 19" tube. The real key will be getting the 720p sets down that far.

PrinceLH · 12-20-2007, 05:02 AM

I wish that it would have ended sooner. Aren't all channels supposed to be up to 100% signal strength in early 2008, on their digital side? It's 2009, when analog finally get shut off.

dadkins · 12-20-2007, 05:37 AM

Got portable TV?
Throw it away!

Once analog goes bye bye, that little portable set is a paperweight.

DrinkMore · 12-20-2007, 05:42 AM

I think I k now the answer but I will ask, does this mean an under cabinet LCD for the kitchen will need a converter box? That really sucks if true.

I was going to put one in the kitchen but not now if that is the case.

12-19-2007, 06:18 PM	#1
tron3 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Aug 2004 Location:New Jersey Blu-ray reviews:3	Will you miss analog TV at all after Feb 2009? No point in having a poll because I am sure the answer would be a resounding "good riddance". So, now you are wondering, why would I make such a statement? A great many people, like myself, still receive only terrestrial transmission for TV. I know, sounds shocking coming from a "blu-blood" guy like myself, but as of now, I do not pay for TV. I get great digital reception with more channels and only 1% or 2% of the reception problems I had with analog. Which is why I might miss analog. Sometimes the picture looked like crap, but you know what... you still received a picture. Because digital uses UHF channels the digital signals tend to "bounce" more than VHF which passed more easily through buildings and such. Getting digital broadcasts in your area may be harder than some of those "fringe" channels in analog. Pretty good chance you will loose the digital equivilent altogether unless there is a big signal boost. Ultimately I fear a large portion of the public being without TV come 2009 if a disaster strikes. Many a person will not be on notice of a pending storm or other evacuations in time of catastrophy. I am doubtful EVERYONE in America is going to have a new digital TV. Even with those cheap SD digital tube TV's hidden in the back of best buy. The FCC will only allow the switch if 80% or more of the public have digital TV, or digital tuner converter box. Not to mention what will happen to our landfills with millions of TV's filling them? Will a "perfectly good TV" still be "perfectly good" once you can't get a picture on it? I suppose another part of me is nostalgic for that soft focus warmth you get with standard definition on a tube tv. After all, even the youngest schrews spouting "analog sucks" still grew up with at least SOME analog TV. Will we all soon forget the "horror" of SDTV and become jaded? Some day you won't even have the option of switching back just for the comparison. "What's wrong with this picture, daddy?" "That's an old DVD you're watching, Billy. That's what they used before HDTV existed." "Is this how all TV looked like when you grew up, Daddy?" "Sometimes worse than that, Billy. ... Sometimes worse than that. But we were glad to have it." Last edited by tron3; 12-19-2007 at 06:23 PM.

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12-19-2007, 06:25 PM	#2
DrinkMore Banned Member since:Apr 2007 Location:That's What She Said! Blu-ray collection:140 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:3	Lol. Yeah, good by, so long, don't come back! It's amazing it lasted this long to be honest. I guess DVD's will be the only comparison available anymore, maybe VHS and LD for an even truer comparison. That's if the players are still around then.

12-19-2007, 06:29 PM	#3
WickyWoo Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2007 Trading Score:2	You can buy a converter box for like $50, and cable will continue SD compatible transmission My problem is that even though I'm only about 4 miles from the towers, if it's windy I don't have good reception on digital

12-19-2007, 06:38 PM	#8
Aaron Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Oklahoma City Home Theater Gallery:3 Blu-ray collection:33 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:4	Dish Network FTW!

12-19-2007, 09:32 PM	#11
cpgator Senior Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Parker, CO	Currently have Directv, and all my TVs are digital - so, I won't miss it.

12-19-2007, 10:57 PM	#12
dakota81 Expert Member Member since:Apr 2007	Not over the airwaves. But analog on the cable is nice, digital can go to the hdtv, analog can be split throughout rest of house, not needing to pay monthly cable box fees everywhere else.

12-20-2007, 02:46 AM	#13
Footloose301 Special Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Fort Myers, FL Home Theater Gallery:38 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:2 Blu-ray reviews: 1	You guys do realize that going digital is a major jump for everybody. One of the main reasons for cable companies going all digital is because a single ANALOG channel uses 6mhz of bandwidth. You could fit 10-15 DIGITAL channels in that same 6mhz of bandwidth. Slowly(You may have noticed) they are taking channels from the analog lineup and moving them to the digital lineup. GSN for instance, that made a ton of older folks angry Now they have to get a cable box to get that channel. I bet you didn't know that! Also, along with moving to digital it means there is no more snowy picture issues. Digital is all packets. Much easier to work with, more channels, better quality. SO, even though the cable company would be getting more money because everybody would be required to get digital boxes, but YOU, as the consumer, get better quality. Also, with an antenna you will still be able to pick up off-air channels, even in 1080i.

12-20-2007, 03:33 AM	#14
DrinkMore Banned Member since:Apr 2007 Location:That's What She Said! Blu-ray collection:140 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:3	Lol - people with Comcast will argue the fact that they are getting better quality when it comes to digital. Hence, our pixelated, blocky, dropped out pictures

12-20-2007, 03:41 AM	#15
me_inside Member Member since:Oct 2007	Well, over the last year or 2 I've seen many pissed off people at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc who have gotten pissed off when the salesman tells them why tube TVs are getting harder to find.

12-20-2007, 04:25 AM	#17
WickyWoo Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2007 Trading Score:2	Seriously, the big thing is that they need to get some LCD sets down to the price where tube TVs were and ASAP. People will drop $200 on a 23-inch 16:9EDTV to replace their 19" tube. The real key will be getting the 720p sets down that far.

12-20-2007, 05:02 AM	#18
PrinceLH Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007	I wish that it would have ended sooner. Aren't all channels supposed to be up to 100% signal strength in early 2008, on their digital side? It's 2009, when analog finally get shut off.

12-20-2007, 05:37 AM	#19
dadkins Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Hercules, CA Blu-ray collection:35 Blu-ray reviews:2	Got portable TV? Throw it away! Once analog goes bye bye, that little portable set is a paperweight.

12-20-2007, 05:42 AM	#20
DrinkMore Banned Member since:Apr 2007 Location:That's What She Said! Blu-ray collection:140 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:3	I think I k now the answer but I will ask, does this mean an under cabinet LCD for the kitchen will need a converter box? That really sucks if true. I was going to put one in the kitchen but not now if that is the case.

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