2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here in Comcast Cable TV http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19765061 en Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:24:35 EDT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:24:35 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20725633 aaronwt :
said by canoer41 :

If cable service were really market-driven and capitalistic, I'd agree with you. But around here, there's no competition (discounting DirectTV, which can't deliver local stations anyway). And no one is tallying the "purchasing" behaviors of the consumers, so the channels that no one is watching are being subsidized by an inflated cable bill. A possible solution exists in the SetTopBox, which could track viewing behavior, Nielson-like, and could be individually programmed to deliver only those stations that the user wanted to pay for. I seem to remember someone in Congress mentioning that possibility, but the idea seems to have died....
DirecTV carries the local channels for most markets.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20725633 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:31:33 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20690407 anon : If cable service were really market-driven and capitalistic, I'd agree with you. But around here, there's no competition (discounting DirectTV, which can't deliver local stations anyway). And no one is tallying the "purchasing" behaviors of the consumers, so the channels that no one is watching are being subsidized by an inflated cable bill. A possible solution exists in the SetTopBox, which could track viewing behavior, Nielson-like, and could be individually programmed to deliver only those stations that the user wanted to pay for. I seem to remember someone in Congress mentioning that possibility, but the idea seems to have died....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20690407 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:47:49 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20689800 bicker : Well, it is disappointing and unfortunate, perhaps, but it is fair and justifiable. Not every service necessary needs to be custom-designed to your own personal specifications. Rather, in the mass-market, the market determines what will be offered, and at what price, based on the purchasing behaviors of the bulk of consumers. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20689800 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:21:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20687065 anon : I live in an area which is > 50 miles from NYC and Philly. Cable was a necessity due to intense snow; I knew that when I moved here. (OTA Digital is impossible - I've tried it.) But: Last year, the cable bill went up SOLELY because some sports nuts whined because they couldn't get their favorite baseball games. NOW, I wonder if cable channels in the LTD/EXP range (2-70+) will be converted to digital, and the price will go up because of it. That is NOT fair or justifiable. But can anyone tell me differently?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20687065 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:55:36 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20669335 bicker :
said by Nick Nack Patty :

They say that the switch to digital was approved by law. there used to be a time when the people would vote on such things, rather than corporations who try to think of ways to fleece us of our money.
That's idiocy. Of course the switch to digital broadcast television was approved by law, voted on by the people the we citizens elected to make such decisions for us.

said by Nick Nack Patty :

I don't remember voting on getting rid of analog or making it illegal.
Welcome to the United States. The United States is a representative democracy. Representative Democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of the people's representatives. The representatives form an independent ruling body (for an election period) charged with the responsibility of acting in the people's interest, but not as their proxy representatives—i.e., not necessarily always according to their wishes, but with enough authority to exercise swift and resolute initiative in the face of changing circumstances. It is often contrasted with direct democracy, where representatives are absent or are limited in power as proxy representatives.

If you were born here, you should have learned this in high school (assuming you've graduated already).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20669335 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:45:36 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20665277 MysticGogeta : I can't justify a 1100 dollar tv as much as a computer because I can do actual work on a computer.
--
Team Discovery-Join the fight]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20665277 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:37:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664899 Greg_Z :
said by MysticGogeta See Profile :

HDTV is nice, but many of us can't afford it and its a luxury we shouldn't have to pay extra for because the few clamor for more HD channels.
Cannot afford? But, you can afford a computer. Sorry, but this is a cop out, due to HD sets cost no more then Tube sets did 10 years ago. The cost of upgrading technology is something that has to be taken into consideration. And with the fact, that on HDNet, you get to see Drunk Chicks on Art Mann Presents, and great concerts in HD. That with the Lakers vs. the Celtics this week.

With this said, we got our 42" Panasonic Plasma for $1100, which is a killing compared to 5 years ago, when they where going for over $4k.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664899 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:27:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664631 MysticGogeta : HDTV is nice, but many of us can't afford it and its a luxury we shouldn't have to pay extra for because the few clamor for more HD channels.
--
Team Discovery-Join the fight]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664631 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:41:57 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664532 Greg_Z : Personally, you can keep the Archaic technology. I love my HD set, and enjoy the fact that you can see High Def, due to the Analog Conversion is already taking place.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664532 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:24:46 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20663818 anon : They say that the switch to digital was approved by law. there used to be a time when the people would vote on such things, rather than corporations who try to think of ways to fleece us of our money. I don't remember voting on getting rid of analog or making it illegal.This is what they call forced obsolescence.There was a time when people had a choice in what freedoms they would allow.Hello Nazi Germany: didn't they enforce overnight laws without the people's consent too?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20663818 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:56:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503615 sansri88 : I would suggest you check out this thread if you haven't already: »Comcast Analog Migration]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503615 Sun, 18 May 2008 21:22:20 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503407 Greg_Z : You do not have to upgrade, unless your area is going Digital, which means that they will contact you regarding needing the STB or not. The 2009 DTV Transistion for Terrestial Television (ie Antenna needed to receive), you will either need a set with a ATSC tuner, or a external ATSC tuner.

As long as you have CATV, or Satellite, the DTV change does not effect you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503407 Sun, 18 May 2008 20:23:00 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503396 damox : I guess I am assuming that I will either have to upgrade to some sort of digital package or stop watching TV altogether come February. I have the Limited Basic Package (for lack of a better term since Comcast doesn't even sell this package any more) for $15 a month, but I'm thinking that this package will be going away since there won't be any analogue stations left. I probably need to contact Comcast, but I'm afraid of misinformation or the possibility of downright lies (that's really sad isn't it?). If someone out there has some definate information on this, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
--
DAMOX Proud to be a member of Team Discovery]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503396 Sun, 18 May 2008 20:19:51 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499830 sansri88 : This thread was to clarify the difference between the OTA DTV transition and Comcast's own digital transition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499830 Sat, 17 May 2008 22:26:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493386 tmccartney : Well, Comcast's digital transition does. Or is this thread supposed to be just about the OTA transition?

Thanks for the info.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493386 Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:27 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493288 Greg_Z : You have to change the channel through the STB. And besides, you have CATV, so the Digital Transistion will not apply to you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493288 Fri, 16 May 2008 13:37:11 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20492099 tmccartney : Okay, I have a bunch o' questions, because Comcast in Nashville is trying to herd people into digital by taking channels off the basic analog lineup and putting them into not their digital starter but their digital plus package (G4 and Oxygen so far, with more to follow, I'm sure).

1) I have a 30" Sony WEGA HDTV that we bought about 3 years ago, so it probably has a QAM tuner. But I would probably still need a digital STB from Comcast to get channels that are not in Comcast's most basic lineup, because those channels will probably be encrypted, right?

2) I have a Philips HDRW 720/17 video recorder - it has a hard drive and a CD burner. Right now the analog cable runs straight into this recorder and then out to the WEGA TV. Is there any way to find out whether this unit is capable of receiving digital transmissions without a converter box?

3) Do these STBs change the channel, or do you still control channel-changing through the TV?

Thanks!

Tracey]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20492099 Fri, 16 May 2008 09:57:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20438358 bicker : I'm pretty sure the gender of the technician is irrelevant. :uhh:

The cable company will either

1) Down-convert the digital signal and pass the resulting analog signal along as an analog channel;
or
2) Make available converter boxes (for a fee if they wish) that will take the digital signal once it arrives at your home and convert it to an analog video output.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20438358 Tue, 06 May 2008 05:34:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20437909 anon : I called Comcast a couple of months ago for some tech support and a male tech support agent told me that comcast was going to be broadcasting analog for another 3 years, now if they do how will this work if the TV stations are going digital themselves? I don't know if this is true but that's what he told me...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20437909 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:59:17 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20371035 crapmac : eh remember when you'd get double images and crappy sound on your cable... and then you got digital?

technology is good in that way, it just takes 13 years to do things...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20371035 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:54:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354689 Greg_Z : You cannot use the ATSC box on a CATV system. It is only for OTA broadcasts. This means Antenna needed.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354689 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:47:08 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354027 mjmsr : OK, all this tech jargon is another language to me, but I think I understand the answer to my question.

Let me say it back to you so that I know I understand.

I have a HDTV with Comcast's hdtv box for that TV. I have a splitter in the wall for an analog TV in another room with NO BOX.

Even if I split the signal coming FROM the HDTV cable box and connected it to the government box for the analog tv, I still will NOT be able to view digital broadcasts that "come FROM the HDTV cable box" on my analog tv that has the government box.

Is that correct? If so, are their ANY digital to analog converters that would work with this scenario? If I could "split" the cable from the HDTV box, what kind of splitter would I use?

I would like to view the extended "digital" channels that Comcast offers on my analog tv without renting another box.

Sorry for my confusion, I just want to be certain.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354027 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:38:42 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346468 robert2513 : Unfortunately, for people like me, the basic package is enough. One could hope, though, those rental fees add up. :D

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346468 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:06:09 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346280 Greg_Z : Why would they offer a discount, when those people that want the extras will pay for them? Unless you have a set that has a QAM tuner, and the channels are Open-QAM, the CATV provided STB is a necessity.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346280 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:34:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346238 robert2513 : Hi folks.

Unfortunately, I saw that the boxes you can buy with the government coupons are no good with cable, particularly Comcast. Bummer.

So here is my question. I have Basic package with two analog TVs right now that get their signal directly from the wall. I like the freedom of being able to connect TVs without having the need to have extra equipment or especially monthly fees ;).

As Comcast moves channels from analog to digital, I'll have to start renting boxes for each TV and paying rental fees.
So does/will Comcast offer a discount for multiple box rentals? I know Comcast is a company but that just seems like it will be a rip off.

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346238 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:26:50 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20345072 Greg_Z : I think that the main problem, is that this thread was let to go to the point that everyone, including myself got into a tiff. The main problem is, that the info needs to be placed in a FAQ, or this thread be trimmed to include the Fact's, and give good references.

If anything, you where spot on, but just that I did feel that it was directed to the prev. post to try to cyper the correct, and incorrect that I know is in everyone's postings.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20345072 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:52:30 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344939 cypherstream : Well Greg your right, I know.

I guess I was just trying to reiterate to other visitors that the reason the $40 boxes won't work on Cable, is because they don't have QAM tuners. Why is that important, well because QAM happens to be the modulation cable chose, while 8VSB is the modulation broadcasters choose. I'm not trying to explain this to you, but just reinforce it for others.

Sorry if I was overstepping my boundaries, but I think that the point is made.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344939 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:25:38 EDT Legal dispute could increase cost of digital TV http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344714 andyross :
quote:
Patent suits translate into costlier transition to digital TV for viewers, nonprofit says

»biz.yahoo.com/ap/080416/digital_···tml?.v=2]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344714 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:45:06 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20343692 Greg_Z : And we all know that OTA broadcasters can send their signal in QAM modulation (if you cannot take that as a mock, read it again). QAM is a modulation scheme to take the input to turn it into an output that can be understood by STB's, and the newer TV sets. If the CATV provider wanted to, they could of stayed with Analog broadcasts, and screw the FCC and the public, and let them get Satellite.

You do know that this is an argument that is understood by myself, yourself and others, so what are you trying to prove, other then you can place links for the same that I have.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20343692 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:41:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342698 cypherstream : Right because OTA ATSC is modulated with the 8VSB modulation scheme, while Cable opted for the QAM modulation scheme.

Why?

We are mindful that digital television signals are transmitted in the 8-VSB digital broadcast modulation technique while operators will use either 64 or 256 QAM as the cable digital modulation technique. Both 64 and 256 QAM provide cable operators with a greater degree of operating efficiency than 8-VSB, and also permits the carriage of a higher data rate, with fewer bits devoted to error correction, when compared with the digital broadcast system. Therefore, the FCC allows cable operators to remodulate digital broadcast signals from 8-VSB to 64 or 256 QAM. The FCC does not and will not require cable operators to pass through 8 VSB.

Some interesting wikipedia articles regarding different modulation techniques:
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8VSB
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16VSB
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrature···dulation
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM_tuner]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342698 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:57:21 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342013 Greg_Z : The digital channesl that are broadcast on the plants from the OTA is ATSC format, and yes, you do need a tuner that picks up QAM to get those channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342013 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:54:27 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342010 Greg_Z : I was talking about the CATV provider boxes.

Here, lets clear some things up:

1) Will the ATSC boxes that the government coupons are being given out for, work with a CATV or DBS provider? No. They only work with an antenna to pick up OTA (Over The Air) broadcasts.

2) Will I need the CATV provider box in 2009? It is possible, dependant on the system. Verizon Fios is already going forward on converting to the ATSC provided OTA signals for the locals on the QAM channel, that you either need their box, or a Set (does not have to be HD ready), that you can pick up the QAM provided channels.

For more on the technologies, you can go to »en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atsc
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342010 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:53:28 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341795 bicker : As far as I know, all major cable providers broadcast QAM.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341795 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:26:08 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341277 cypherstream : Right. I was disappointed to hear that as well. If anything $40 coupons for VOD scanning boxes would be fun :D

Comcast does not broadcast ATSC signals on their plant. QAM is much more efficient for HD broadcast over cable's 6 MHz channel spacing plan.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341277 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:10 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340473 sansri88 : Misinformation at its best.

The boxes that can be bought with the government coupons DO NOT have QAM tuners in it. Therefore, you won't be able to tune to any channel broadcast in the clear on Comcast systems.

In order to view any channel that Comcast sends digitally unencrypted you need a QAM tuner, or a box from Comcast/box that has a QAM tuner.
--
Sriram Satish
5th Place, Cyber Security NJFBLA SLC 2007
4th Place, Networking Concepts NJFBLA SLC 2008]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340473 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:22:39 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340077 mjmsr : GREAT!

I will pick up a government issued converter box and will be able to watch all the digital broadcasts on my analog tv!

Any recommendations on a good box?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340077 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:05:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340012 Greg_Z : Ys, with the box it will pick up anything that Comcast pushes through their system. Without, only Clear broadcasts that are not in their digital tier. The Digital conversion has nothing to do with your CATV provider, other then they have to comply with the Open broadcast policy set by the FCC for ATSC channels. This means anyone without a set that has a ATSC or QAM tuner (QAM is needed for CATV provder networks), you will be stuck watching what little is still in NTSC format on the Cable network.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340012 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:52:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20339954 mjmsr : OK, confused - somewhat!

Only one question - but it's lengthy and in 2 parts.

I currently have HDTV via Comcast (unfortunately)connected to my HDTV (via HDTV Box). The TV in the other room receives analog TV without a box.

Question: If I hook up a converter to the analog TV, will I be able to pick up ALL (or most) of Comcast's digital broadcasts that I receive on my HDTV? Would I split the cable coming out of the HDTV box from Comcast or use the direct cable connection as I am with the analog TV and connect it to the government box?

Thanks,
Mike]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20339954 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:39:20 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20331368 matt91 : Can anyone summarize which cities have already gone (nearly) all digital for Comcast? (e.g., 12 - 20 or so analog channels left, the rest all digital).

I've seen a reference to Chicago. Are there others?

Matt]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20331368 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:27:24 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327775 Greg_Z : In all due reality, High Definition is anything over the standard 480 lines of resolution, and just because everything is going Digital, does not automatically define it as High Definition.

Historically the term high-definition television was first used to refer to television standards developed in the 1930s to replace early experimental systems with as few as 12 lines. Not so long afterwards John Logie Baird, Philo T. Farnsworth and Vladimir Zworykin had each developed competing TV systems but resolution was not the issue that separated their substantially different technologies. It was patent interference lawsuits and deployment issues given the tumultuous financial climate of the late '20s and '30s.

The British 405-line system was the first to advertise itself as high definition and see widespread use. Most patents were expiring by the end of World War II leaving the market wide open and no worldwide standard for television agreed upon. The world used analog PAL, NTSC, SECAM and other standards for over half a century.
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_hig···n_system
»digital-lifestyle.aol.com/video/···09990001

Analog vs. Digital

Until very recently, all television broadcasts were analog. With analog transmission, programming is transmitted in a continuous signal that varies in amplitude, depending on the information contained in the picture. This signal can easily deteriorate over distance or suffer interference from other sources, which produces a lower-quality picture than the original. The primary advantage of digital transmission is that it slices the traditional analog television signal into a series of digital bits, which are then recombined to reproduce an exact copy of the original broadcast. These digital signals don't weaken with distance, as analog signals do. As long as the signal can be received, the picture is perfect, with no degradation. Since digital signals are comprised of binary bits, a 1 is always a 1 and a 0 is always a 0. Because of this exact end-to-end reproduction, digital means better picture and sound quality, no matter what is broadcast.

Different Types of Digital TV

Digital programming comes in many shapes and sizes. Not all digital broadcasts have the same resolution or aspect ratio. Here's a quick guide to all current digital formats:
• SDTV - Standard definition digital television has the same resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio as traditional analog television but is transmitted in digital fashion. The SDTV picture is 480 x 640 pixels, with interlaced scanning.

• EDTV - Enhanced definition television has the same resolution as SDTV but with progressive scanning instead of interlaced scanning, which creates a smoother overall picture. EDTV can be in either the 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, for a resolution of either 480 x 640 or 480 x 720 pixels.

• HDTV (720p) - The first of the three current high definition television formats features 720 x 1280 pixel resolution with progressive scanning. This format is ideal for programming with lots of movement, such as sporting events. The aspect ratio is 16:9.

• HDTV (1080i). The second current high definition format features greater resolution than 720p (1080 x 1920 pixels), but with interlaced scanning. Like 720p, the aspect ratio is 16:9

• HDTV (1080p) - This is the ultimate high definition format, with 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution (in the 16:9 ratio) and progressive scanning. Because of the high bandwidth requirements, this format is not yet used for television broadcasts, although the new HD DVD and Blu-ray high-definition DVD formats will be capable of a 1080p picture.

»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-defin···levision
Further information: Analog high-definition television system
The term high definition described the television systems of the 1930s and 1940s beginning with the British 405-line black-and-white system, introduced in 1936; however, it, and the American 525-line NTSC system established in 1941, were only high definition in comparison with previous mechanical and electronic television systems. Today, the American 525-line NTSC system and the European 625-line PAL and SECAM systems are only regarded as standard definition. The post–WWII French 819-line black-and-white system was high definition in the contemporary sense, but was discontinued in 1986, a year after the final British 405-line broadcast.

In 1958, the U.S.S.R. created Òransformator (Russian: Òðàíñôîðìàòîð, "Transformer"), the first high-resolution (definition) television system capable of producing an image composed of 1,125 lines of resolution for the purpose of television conferences among military commands; as it was a military product, it was not commercialised.[1]
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I threw out the map a long time ago. Now I follow my own direction!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327775 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:41:19 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327666 bicker : I suspect I know the difference between SD digital and HD as well if not BETTER than you do. I think, rather, that there is something else at play here, specifically your inability to accept that reality doesn't have a natural consumerist-bias.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327666 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:13:20 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326928 Greg_Z : You really do not know the difference between Digital & High Definition, do you? Digital is the way that the signal is transmitted; High Definition is producing a film, or live broadcast in a resolution that is higher then 720 lines, and Standard Definition is anything lower then 520. If you need more clarification, check out the FTC websites, and btw, the article you posted states nothing about High Definition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326928 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:01:25 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326700 bicker : You're simply poorly-informed. I wish I could explain it to you so that you'd understand, but it seems to me that you're unwilling to listen. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326700 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:12:44 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322711 Greg_Z : Infallible? Those are the FTC websites. I am guessing that you trust idiocracy better, then the people mandating the change.

And, no the vast majority is not switching to High Definition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322711 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:14:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322076 bicker : Those aren't infallible sources either... there are times when they cause as much confusion as the media.

OTA can switch to either SD digital or HD (or both). As I indicated, the vast majority are switching to HD.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322076 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:34:31 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322052 Greg_Z : The OTA HAVE to switch to SD, but will carry a sub-channel for HD. And, btw, the media cannot get anything correct. If you want to know what is actually happening, go to »ftc.gov and »www.dtv.gov/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322052 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:24:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322010 bicker : In this area, none of the OTA channels are switching to SD digital. Therefore, trying to explain to people the difference isn't worth it. So just expect that people will talk about HD and analog, period. That's what the media is talking about, and that's what people will understand.

I think the issue, though, that the article was getting at was that people should expect to pay for set-top boxes, not get them for free.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322010 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:11:37 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321982 Greg_Z : Why is everyone is thinking that the Digital convesion means everything is going to High Definition. The Digital Signal conversion means that the 480i that is in Analog is going Digital, not High-Def.

And conversion is only taking the Digital Signal that comes in from the OTA locals, and changing it into a Analog for those that do not have Set-Tops, and in the case where the Set-Tops stop working, there has to be a clear signal. Not all of the signals coming through the system have to go Analog. Look at what Verizon Fios is doing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321982 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:01:31 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321756 bicker : Interesting article this week on MSNBC. »www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24073432 I've posted about it in several other forums, but I thought I'd highlight the most important bit with regard to this thread, especially in light of the discussion of cable companies going all-digital: In cases where a cable company goes all-digital, the regulation requiring some type of analog service through 2012 does not say anything about the cable company having to provide free converter boxes. It says, "any costs incurred by a cable operator in down-converting or carrying alternative format versions of signals... shall be the responsibility of the cable operator." This is taken to mean that if the cable company decides to convert HD signals to analog at the head-end, after February 2009, then they must bare the cost of that themselves. However, that does not mean that they cannot charge for STBs necessary to convert digital signals on an all-digital system to analog. "Any costs related to [that] will be determined by the cable company." Unless and until someone sues a cable company and wins, this interpretation is effectively the law of the land, since it is the interpretation advocated by the NCTA, and therefore the one that will drive what cable companies do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321756 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:29:29 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20260333 anon : Again, the digital cutoff date that the federal coupons are good for have NOTHING to do with cable television. That cutoff date only refers to over the air television (OTA). If you have cable or satelite, then this date and these coupons have nothing to do with you. The only people that need to pay attention are maybe your grandparents who still have a roof arial or rabbit ear antenna.

Cable tv signal is transmitted over their own cables. The signal is not sent over the 700MHz frequency band. Opening up this frequency for other uses is the entire purpose of why the government is cutting over the air analog tv next year.

While it is advantageous for a cable company to transmit all of their stations in a digital format over the cable since it uses less bandwidth that way (= more channels in same amount of space), it is up to the cable company whether or not to use analog or cable. The cable company is using its own closed network.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20260333 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:35:35 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20259907 sansri88 : WABC-DT started showing messages today during Jeopardy about the digital transition during the show.

WCBS-DT started showing messages during the closing of it's morning news cast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20259907 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:08:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238669 Greg_Z : They work the same way as your CATV STB. The pass through means, that you can send a signal such as CATV, Through the box, without it making any conversions to the signal.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238669 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:42:58 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238007 lts48 : Greg Z

No, what I am saying is that with 2 converter boxes, I should be able to watch/record (2) different channels, correct?

Also, do you know what is meant by converters having a pass through capability? It seems like potential users want that capability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238007 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:04:10 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237868 Greg_Z : Yep, thats it. That will surely allow you to watch the same as you are recording, and same for the other TV sets.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237868 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:43:21 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237835 NoPegs : The purpose of composite ports is for better picture quality and *STEREO* sound. You don't get either out of coaxial remod on 3/4 usually (there are exceptions, but they're less than 1% installed userbase!)...

Try it, even on a 19" tv you should see a better picture with red/white/yellow over channel 4. Put your tv on input 1 or line1 or video 1 instead of channel 3 or 4. take the coax cable out from between the box and tv and use a set of red/white/yellow. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237835 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:37:56 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20236889 lts48 : OK, so the converter box converts digital to analog and you have a tuner in the converter that then displays OTA digital broadcasts on your analog tv or through your VCR to the analog TV on Channel 3/4. Then, if I wanted to watch one channel while recording another, I need to split the antenna signal between the TV and the VCR and have a second converter box in front of the VCR to record a different channel. What then is the purpose of the composite outputs of these converter boxes? Probably just an optional connection for the designated channel on the converter box, I assume. When I read these references to a "pass through" capability, what would that mean?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20236889 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:22:58 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20231292 Greg_Z : Go ahead and place it in front of all the Tvs & VCRs in the house. Everyone will be watching the same thing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20231292 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:04:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20229940 lts48 : I noted that a responder to this thread mentioned he had not received his TV Converter Box coupons. Just an fyi, I received my (2) about 2 weeks ago. They are like credit cards that expire 90 days from when they were mailed. They can only be used towards the purchase of a single coupon-eligible converter box. They can only be used once. A list of certified eligible converter boxes is provided and a web site for a more current list. They also point you towards Best Buy, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart as a participating retailer and again towards a web site that has a more current list of retailers.

On my part, I have one technical question: If a converter box just converts digital back to analog, can that box be placed in front of a splitter that then sends separate signals to two analog TVs or analog VCR? or Do I have to buy one converter box for each analog tv or analog VCR in the house?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20229940 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:18:56 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20218104 Travelfan1 : EDIT: Article had been previously posted in the dslreports forum, but on the broader News forum:

»Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle

very interesting article on an approach Comcast is looking to implement a cheap digital to analog conversion product:

Comcast Pursuing $35 Digital Dongle

»www.lightreading.com/document.as···site=cdn

To give credit when credit's due, I found about this after reading markofmayhem See Profile post in the Central PA new HD channels about this "DAC Dongle".
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Comcast of New Jersey II(Union)
Verizon DSL
And who would think Eli would outplay Brady...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20218104 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:35:58 EDT Re: I hope http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20180470 shezams : In the DC area too most of the Digital cable signals are encrypted and I so do not want a Comcast truck roll to have someone with less skill than I have stick it in my Tivo which I just got, and set up for the analog just fine. There are over 400 digital channels and subchannels which for the most part are encrypted. My Tivo reported them, but without a cable card I cannot view them.
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Simple rules - no offsides, no intent to maim, everything else is all good!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20180470 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:23:35 EDT Re: I hope http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20164362 pgoelz :
said by anonomous :

PLEASE COMCAST SWITCH TO ALL DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe good for you but I currently have five TVs and a TV video card connected to our analog cable system. If Comcast goes all digital, those TVs are dead unless I rent a box for each one of them. Most of them are used only occasionally, making it not economical. At best, I can put QAM converter boxes on them, but around here Comcast encrypts most of the basic and extended basic channels so that won't get me much.

Paul]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20164362 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:33:33 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20112938 YukonHawk : Bicker..thanks to you and everyone here. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20112938 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:50:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110874 bicker : Do keep in mind that there is not necessarily any relationship between the 2/17/2009 date and your cable provider. Whatever your cable provider will do they can do before that date or after that date. That date specifically only pertains to the televisions you have that are receiving reception via an antenna.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110874 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:30:45 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110167 YukonHawk : Thanks for the quick reply.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110167 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:54:11 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110154 Greg_Z : You can either rent the boxes from the provider, or go out and get your own ATSC/QAM boxes, and take the crapshoot to hope that your provider does not encrypt the HD or SD channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110154 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:52:51 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110133 YukonHawk : Maybe someone can help me with this question. Currently I do not have any set top boxes for my 3 TVs. I just have basic cable and decided not to rent any. With the digital transition coming in Feb 2009 will I need to start renting a STB from Comcast.

Thanks for any help.
Paul]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110133 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:49:53 EDT I hope http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20047285 anon : Comcast goes all digital here. Our HD DVR is one of the new DCH 3416 set top boxes w/160 GB HDD and it only receives digital. I believe in my area, Comcast sends 3 streams for some of the standard cable channels, one is analog for a regular TV to pick up. Another is digital for STBs to pick up. The third is an HD version of certain channels. If they get rid of the analog channels, use SDV, and MPEG-4, it would free up LOTS of bandwidth which can be used for more HD channels, more on-demand, and for faster HSI when they switch over to DOCSIS 3.0. PLEASE COMCAST SWITCH TO ALL DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20047285 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:25:16 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035010 pheon : It looks like the converter boxes are now available at many retail stores. Prices range from $49.97 to $59.99 for the basic models.

I haven't received my coupon yet, but when I checked the status on the dtv2009.gov website, it said my coupons would be mailed out soon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035010 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:20:01 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20012186 bicker : To be clear: Cable companies won't be "forced" to go all-digital in 2012. They can go all-digital before that, simply by making converter boxes with analog outputs available. And they can probably continue to provide some analog service after that, if they wish.

Cable companies can probably charge for converter boxes, even after they go all-digital, but we expect most will provide at least one converter box included in the basic fees. Converter boxes you buy from electronics stores will work, but only for unencrypted channels, unless they support CableCards (which you'll have to rent from the cable company).

Indeed, DirecTV and Dish Network already require you to use one of their converter boxes. You cannot even buy one at an electronics store -- the satellite systems are closed to you. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20012186 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:36:44 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008749 Greg_Z : NOTHING. If you need a Digital STB, they will contact you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008749 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:37:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008300 anon : Okay, so in plain English, what happens to us analog subscribers when cable companies are forced to go all digital in 2012? Does that mean that Comcast will now require me to pay for a digital box for each of my TV sets? Can I just use a converter box that you can buy in any electronics store to convert the cable company's digital signal back to analog so that I don't have to buy the cable company's overpriced digital boxes or throw away my three big, expensive analog TVs?
Suppose you have Direct TV or Dish Network...those are already digital, so would you still need a converter box if you are using those services?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008300 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:54:15 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980071 Snowcat : Give the government some credit. The converter boxes are already in the stores, and I am sure the coupons will start arriving in the next few weeks.

While I don't need one, it might not be bad to have one as a backup or for a portable tv.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980071 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:18:52 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980053 Greg_Z : »https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
Consumers who apply at the beginning or 2008 will receive their coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail stores, probably in late February or early March.

The Probably in Government terms means when ever we get around to it, and most likely will be late in 2008 when they will be sent, and will not have enough for the number of requests received.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980053 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:13:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979986 Snowcat :
said by Greg_Z See Profile :

It will be later this year as mentioned in the disclaimer, not at the beginning.
Later this month, not later this year.

»https://www.dtv2009.gov/RecentUpdates.aspx

TV Converter Box Coupons are plastic cards that look like gift cards. They will be:

-Mailed to households with approved applications, starting in late February.

-Sent based on the date of application, in the order in which the applications were received.

-Mailed on a staggered basis - not all at once.

-Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

Coupons cannot be printed or downloaded from the Program Website and are not available to pick up at retail locations.

Remember to call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes at the store on the day you plan to shop.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979986 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:58:57 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977390 Greg_Z : It will be later this year as mentioned in the disclaimer, not at the beginning. Even then, unless you do not have a need for the ATSC tuner, due to have CATV or Satellite, it will serve no purpose. Matter of fact, the tuners only do 480i, and nothing else.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977390 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:43:17 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977331 Snowcat : Has anyone received their government coupons yet? I sent away for one on Jan 1, and I thought they would be ready by early Feb.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977331 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:36:03 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19890519 Greg_Z :
said by hussle87 See Profile :

so that means that by 2012 we will all have to own a DTV right?
No. You will though need a Digital Convertor box, or have to upgrade your Television set to one that contains a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner. This does not mean to go out and purchase a HD set.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19890519 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:20:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889948 hussle87 : so that means that by 2012 we will all have to own a DTV right?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889948 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:59:26 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889910 bicker : Cable providers are NOT required to go all-digital in February 2009. ONLY over-the-air broadcasters are required to go all-digital in February 2009. Cable providers are required to provide analog signals, either via the coax or via analog outputs from a digital cable box, through December 2012.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889910 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:54:27 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889891 hussle87 : I don't really get what comcast is doing for 2009. I thought cable and satelite providers were required to go all digital. With that how is comcast going to transmit in analog. My guess is that they will only transmit the basic in analog. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889891 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:52:06 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886585 luckykevin : also another benefit of the dcx is 1ghz tuners]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886585 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:14:52 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886230 Greg_Z : HD is not mandatory. I wish people would get it straight. The digital conversion has nothing to do with High Definition. What it has to do, is changing the signal from an Analog waveform, to 1's & 0's being transmitted.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886230 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:56:28 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885878 bicker : That's not entirely true: Analog and digital are not both mandatory at the same time. It is one or the other, depending on the current operating status of the station.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885878 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:46:50 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885791 anon : After re-reading the regulation, it appears that so long as the OTA-format signal is provided without downconversion, along with either (a) digital STBs or (b) an analog signal, nothing prevents the system from transmitting an additional downconverted digital signal. Indeed, the rule specifically says that downconversion is NOT "material degradation" (which is prohibited by Federal law) if it's done to make the signal "viewable" to all customers (as required by Federal law).

Thus, if a cable system decides to carry a separate digital-SD version of an HD signal to serve digital-SD STBs that can't downconvert, that *appears* to be permissible. However, that amounts to two signals on digital-only systems and three on ADS systems; HD is mandatory for all systems, while analog is also mandatory for ADS systems. With current bandwidth demands, that is unlikely to happen; also, Comcast lawyers may read the regulation differently than I do. Either way, eliminating digital-SD feeds may be the more prudent move.

(Note: Non-ADS mixed analog/digital systems will follow the same rules as ADS systems; however, Comcast is now 100% ADS.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885791 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:31:11 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885569 anon :
said by bicker See Profile :

Is there really a regulation that prohibits downconversion at the head-end? It makes sense to me from one standpoint, but from another, there is a regulation saying that MSOs have to continue to provide some kind of analog service through 2012, and one of the two choices MSOs have is via analog signals from the head-end. Are you saying that two regulations together FORCE MSOs to the converter box option?
The original poster used that statement in reference to markets that are shutting off analog completely. Under the FCC regulations, digital-only systems must retransmit the station's OTA format (HD or SD) with no downconversion; those systems must supply downconverting STBs to all customers at no extra charge. ADS systems must transmit two signals--(a) a digital signal in the OTA format with no downconversion, and (b) an analog signal downconverted to SD.

Also note that the regulations only apply to "must-carry" stations, i.e., noncommercial and smaller commercial stations. Except for the "no downconversion" rule for the digital signal, they don't apply to "retransmission consent" stations (usually major-network stations, but depends on the cable system); however, it's highly unlikely those stations will permit anything else. Those stations want HD for digital customers and SD for everyone else; anything else will lose viewers and backfire on them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885569 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:58:22 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869999 sansri88 : That would mean your area is ADS. It has a digital tuner only.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869999 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:36:18 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869930 anon : They traded my DCT 2000 for one of these:

»broadband.motorola.com/business/···ttop.asp]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869930 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:26:26 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19851026 cypherstream : Thats cool that the DCX-100 can downconvert HD to SD for the older TV's. Currently you get a black screen (sometimes your lucky and get audio) if you tune to an HD channel on a DCT-2xxx or DCT-700.

Bravo Motorola!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19851026 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:52:02 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19850752 bicker : Is there really a regulation that prohibits downconversion at the head-end? It makes sense to me from one standpoint, but from another, there is a regulation saying that MSOs have to continue to provide some kind of analog service through 2012, and one of the two choices MSOs have is via analog signals from the head-end. Are you saying that two regulations together FORCE MSOs to the converter box option?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19850752 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:21:23 EDT Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19848315 PGHammer : Comcast will, at least in some areas, replace existing Motorola DCT/DCH-series STBs with newer DCX series STBs (also from Motorola). The new DCX series lineup is as follows:

DCX100 - a smaller HD-in/SD-out PPV-ready STB designed specifically for the DTV transition (will directly replace the DCT-7xx/DCH-100). Unlike the DCT-7xx, it supports M-Card pairing, PPV, and even DTV-HDTV tuning (both 64QAM and 256QAM); the latter feature is also lacking from the DCH-100. Like the DCH-100/DCT-7xx, it includes both RF and component-out (component-out is fixed at 480p).

DCX-3200 - Single-tuner HD/SD STB (no DVR features). Directly replaces existing HD/SD STBs on Motorola or OCAP platforms (including DCH-3200/DCT-62xx/DCT-2xxx). Supports VOD (unlike DCX-100), DTV/HDTV in/out (component and HDMI-out).

DCX-34xx (possible DCX-3450 and DCX-3475?)- Dual-tuner HD/SD STB with DVR functionality. Would directly replace existing DCH-3416s (possibly with increased storage capacity; Seagate does manufacture both 500 and 750 GB drives in the same formfactor and with the same interface as the drive used in current DCH-3416) or similar models in Motorola and OCAP systems.

Common features across all models: MoCA support, FollowMeTV support, OCAP support, M-card pairing

All three are due in 3Q CY 2008 from Motorola.

(from CES 2008 press release and exhibit by Motorola)

Why This Matters (Especially In Comcast Areas)

One rather nasty problem (which first surfaced in Chicago, the first major area to go all-digital, as opposed to ADS) is that come 2009, there will be no analog OTA signal to pass along to the customer. That means digital OTA signals will be either HD or SD (depending on the source). That means, given an HD source, there needs to be a downconversion to SD at the STB (since FCC regulations prohibit a headend-based conversion). That problem will be solved by the DCX-100. This box will also enable cable companies in general (and Comcast in particular) to hold on to customers transitioning from older SD-only TVs to HDTVs from 3Q CY 2008 forward.

The DCX-3200 is aimed more at the same customer that has the existing DCT-62xx/DCH-62xx non-DVR STB today (as it has no new features). Ironically, the most likely box this will replace in warehouses is the DCT-2xxx (at least initially) as this STB supports HDMI-out (which the DCT-2xxx doesn't). This STB, more than even the DCX-100, is most likely to go to an existing customer, even if the customer *isn't* upgrading to a higher program tier.

DCX-34xx - The only change vs. the DCT/DCH-3416 is likely to be in capacity (up to 750 GB internal capacity is possible); however, would any cable comapny get that brave and have an STB with even 500 GB internal capacity, let alone 750 GB?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19848315 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:48:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833988 celeritypc :
said by patspub See Profile :

I have been seeing alot of commercials on DTV and they always with DTV you will see more channels. What does this mean?
They are referring to sub-channels. Your local ABC probably has ABC News Now, NBC has Weather Plus, etc.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833988 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:40:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833922 Greg_Z : Has nothing to do with the FCC OTA Digital transisition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833922 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:28:07 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833467 patspub : I have been seeing alot of commercials on DTV and they always with DTV you will see more channels. What does this mean?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833467 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:54:12 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19813098 MysticGogeta : I think going to all digital is a good idea. However the planing for it of course sucks so I'm not in favor of it at the moment.
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Team Discovery-Join the fight]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19813098 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:57:17 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19776542 cypherstream : In my area there was a recent article in our local paper about this.

Basically it said Cable companies can do whatever they want. A smaller MSO in our area is going to digital only. You will require a box on every non digital TV with that operator. However they specifically said Comcast will still have analog channels available. It did not mention how many or what analog channels Comcast will have, but it goes to show you that the Operator can do what they please.

I'm hoping that Expanded basic service goes all digital. We could really use the room as our puny 750 MHz system just doesn't cut it anymore in a world of HD, broadband and telephony. Our area seems pretty resistant when it comes to moving channels to digital only. It's early in the year however, and soon they will be pressured to get bandwidth from somewhere. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19776542 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:33:35 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19768437 Travelfan1 : I could refer back to my post, but I think, since now we have this sticky, is worth to repeat it here:

www.ncta.com/IssueBrief.aspx?contentId=2688

It shows how Cable Cos will handle the dtv transition:

"The good news for cable customers is that the digital transition should be easy. Thanks to a compromise adopted by the FCC in September 2007, cable companies will carry the main digital signal of “must carry” commercial broadcast TV stations and will duplicate that signal into analog format so that all channels can be viewed on any older analog TV sets connected to cable.

Cable’s carriage of the signals in both digital and analog formats will ensure that all customers will see commercial broadcast TV signals after the transition. This approach will make the digital transition effortless for all cable customers and provide valuable assistance to commercial TV stations trying to reach all of the homes in their region."

So hopefully by Feb 2009 the # of analogs in my area will drop from the current 70 or so to about 17, which will free up tons of spectrum for new HD channels, more Internet speed, etc.
--
Comcast of New Jersey II(Union)
Verizon DSL
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19768437 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:00:52 EDT 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19765061 sansri88 : It seems like many people talk about the DTV transition and there are numerous threads about it in the first place. People are also confusing the OTA analog shutoff with Comcast analog decreases. We should consolidate them into just one thread here.

For those looking for more information on the DTV transition, here is a good website: »www.dtvanswers.com/

Seagreen, please sticky. I don't think we want any more threads on this between now and the shutoff date.

See also ---> »Digital Conversion 2009
»Comcast Analog Migration

--
Sriram Satish
Teen Tech Enthusiast
"Al Gore is the only president to win an election but never serve in office."
Join »Team Helix and »Team Discovery]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19765061 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:22:34 EDT