Re: OT - television/internet/telephone packaged services
"Marsha L" <ThoseEyes48@gobbledygook.gmail,com > wrote in message
news:MoCdnUzrSvcc8-LVnZ2dnUVZ_jednZ2d@posted.toastnet...
> Cox and Embarq have been pushing HARD lately, offering what seem to be
> deals, but I wonder... how much of this is gearing up for February? and
> what will happen then? Looking at their websites doesn't really help, and
> in
> fact adds to my consternation... Cox is offering digital converters @
> almost
> $11 per box! Are they going to be necessary as of February, for every
> television???? Do any of you have any insight into what's coming?
>
Come February, if you have an analog TV, then you will need a converter box
to receive off-air. And in many cases, a good antenna. If that TV is
connected to Cable, DirecTV, AT&T, etc... you won't have to do a thing.
Your old TV will still work.
If you have a digital TV, then you can receive off-air without a converter
box. Again this assumes you have a good off air signal which might require
a good antenna. Depending on your location in the valley, maybe rabbit-ears
might even work. But again, if that TV is connected to Cable, DIRECTV
etc...you won't need to do a thing.
The converter box they are selling is only needed for an old TV that was
used for off-air reception. Local channels only.
If you want hdtv and have a digital TV (flat-panel type) but don't want to
pay the cable services, then again you can receive them off-air, if you have
a good signal. Of course you would only receive the local channels 3, 8, 13
etc.
If you have a digital TV hooked up to cable or DIRECTV or similar, it will
work just fine, nothing needs to be done. If you want to see HDTV then I
know with DIRECTV, they charge extra for HDTV (high definition TV) and a HD
DVR. Don't know about cable.
The signal is more important with digital because it is broadcast in a
different frequency range than current channels. It takes more power to
broadcast those signals but they don't travel as far or as well. Kinda like
the old vhf vs.uhf.
Marsha, If you have a specific hook-up.or question in mind then email me at
joejak at prodigy,net and maybe I can explain further. Or just make you
more confused;)
Joe J.