SATELLITE TV - THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE

In recent years, we have watched as technology has turned digital. In fact, new laws will be going into effect after December 31, 2006 in which signals over the air will be 100% digital. This means television sets, DVD players, telephones, and all sorts of equipment will be digital. Because of this, it is important to understand the truths about digital television for example, which could affect the new set you purchase.

Again, at the end of 2006, all broadcasting stations in the United States will now broadcast using digital formatting. In other words, analog signals will become obsolete. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated this change for the over-the-air broadcast stations but only those in the United States.

Okay, so how does this affect your television viewing? Well, while the actual changes will take several years to complete (estimated February 2009); you can still use your existing set to view your favorite programs. However, if you currently use an antenna, a converter box would be needed so the new digital signals can be decoded to analog. In addition, if you use satellite or cable, you would probably not be affected much.

If you have standard television currently but you are now thinking about changing your subscription to either satellite or cable, some changes would apply. For instance, if your television is digital, you would be viewing in digital program after the changes go into effect. However, if your television set were not digital, you would not view anything in digital. Remember, although you might be receiving digital and paying for the service and channels, you would still need a converter box so the analog format can be enjoyed

Another question has to do with the digital broadcasting that goes into full effect on February 17, 2009. While many of the stations in United States will be affected by these changes, the majority of stations are not regulated by the FCC. Therefore, those not governed would not be under the same mandate for sending signals in digital format. Although satellite customers would receive digital format automatically, people with cable might be required to pay higher fees or even purchase special equipment.

For a high-definition or digital signal, remember that you do not need to have satellite or cable. On the other hand, some digital format networks would be blocked if high-definition were not used. In this case, if you have favorite broadcasting networks such as TNT, ABS. CBS, Fox, or NBC, you would need to purchase both an antenna, as well as a television set designed with a built-in digital tuner, otherwise known as ATSC. The other option would be to purchase a newer model digital television, one with an external digital tuner.

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