Finally saw the "digital TV" commercial.

[Thyratron]

They claimed the conversion was happening because digital is so much better quality, or something along similar lines. Right, I'm sure that's what it's all about. #%$^&!!!! Are these commercials local, or is it the same one all over the country?

[jpdylon]

haven't seen any yet here.

Frankly, i don't mind watching digital on my old roundie sets. reception here sucks (lotsa multipath), and I don't feel like throwing 50+ dollars a month at the cable company for stuff I'm not going to watch anyways. Digital is alot more watchable due to less vulnerability to multipath and signal noise.

So give me a rooftop antenna and an ATSC tuner. As long as the picture I'm viewing is on a classic set I'm fine with that. If you're watching DVDs on your vintage sets, technically you're already watching digital tv

[radiotvnut]

I'm starting to see the commercial here in MS. It's a female voice saying how much better digital TV is and it's the law for US stations to switch to digital by 2/17/09 and your TV may not be ready for the switch and for more information, go to "blah, blah, blah."

I just had to set a friend, who is on satellite, straight because his wife thought that TV's were going all digital in 2008 and that they would have to buy a new digital flat screen because their old Quasar console from 1980 would no longer be able to be used. I think she saw some kind of commercial on TV and also heard some people talking. I told him that he would have to have a OTA set top box if he planned to watch local broadcasting after 2/17/09 and his satellite service should continue as is and there was no need to buy a new TV. I'm also learning of similar confusion from other citizens concerning this subject. It's going to be really bad when D-day gets here!

[Fast_Eddie]

Originally Posted by Thyratron

They claimed the conversion was happening because digital is so much better quality, or something along similar lines. Right, I'm sure that's what it's all about. #%$^&!!!! Are these commercials local, or is it the same one all over the country?

The NAB provided a spot. That's what I'm airing. We can make local spots as well, but not many have as yet. We're airing them in an effort to prevent the government from mandating that we air them agressively. Right now we still have control over the schedules.

They sent us a new spot right before the holidays. We'll probably do some locally produced spots after the new year.

Take care,

Ed

[Clmrt]

"In fact, it's so much better, law says we have to switch by..."

Misleading vocabulary.

[Jonathan]

The commercial I saw is of the FCC chairman saying things will change. Trust me, the whole reason for the switch is so the FCC can make some money on the unused spectrum. I don't watch local programming unless it's the special stuff like parades, specials, concerts, and a few shows on PBS. Most TV is digital at the head ends, and the fact you watch your dvds or satellite TV through an RF modulator still preserves the nostalgia.

Jonathan

[jonman]

I saw the ad on cable TV, and Ironically, all the cable channels froze up right after the ad spot ended. For about three hours all the programs were just showing a still shot where the show froze up. I hope this isn't a glimpse into what is to come with this "progressive technology.

[jhal]

What about portable, battery operated sets like those used during hurricanes? Is there going to be a battery operated converter for these? Or will all of those cute little TV/radio/flashlight/battery pack/sex toy combos going to have to be replaced so we can get a radar picture when we are "hunkering down" in a storm with no electrical power.

[NeedForSpeed]

The going to HD commercial has been running here for about 2 months. All TV reception will be digital in Feb 09. Retail outlets for HDTV's are of course promoting this. Was told at BB, That the big 3 HD companies(Panasonic,Samsung,Pioneer) will be adding 10-25% to the current cost of there product, By summer 08. Also, The digital to analog converter, Is not working out well, According to Comcast. Anyone still with standard def, Make your move, Fast.

[Fast_Eddie]

Originally Posted by NeedForSpeed

Was told at BB, That the big 3 HD companies(Panasonic,Samsung,Pioneer) will be adding 10-25% to the current cost of there product, By summer 08.

This would surprise me. If they tried to do that they would just lose market share. There are lots of folks selling HD TVs. I suspect we'd see a lot more Vizio sets if they did that.

I am almost certain that they will continue to get cheaper and cheaper. The last TV I bought cost $99. I'm not replacing it with one that costs $500. There are a world of folks out there who simply won't buy TVs until they get cheaper. That is a cosumer base, and I'm sure someone will make products for them. As people buy more and more sets, the prices will get cheaper and cheaper.

I've looked recently and they're still too expensive for me. I'll keep using what I have until they come down a good bit more.

Take care,

Ed

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally Posted by Fast_Eddie

This would surprise me. If they tried to do that they would just lose market share. There are lots of folks selling HD TVs. I suspect we'd see a lot more Vizio sets if they did that.

I am almost certain that they will continue to get cheaper and cheaper. The last TV I bought cost $99. I'm not replacing it with one that costs $500. There are a world of folks out there who simply won't buy TVs until they get cheaper. That is a cosumer base, and I'm sure someone will make products for them. As people buy more and more sets, the prices will get cheaper and cheaper.

I've looked recently and they're still too expensive for me. I'll keep using what I have until they come down a good bit more.

Take care,

Ed

I hope your right, While Xmas shopping, It seemed like cost leveled out finally. I do think companies will take advantage once the clock strikes 12 as 09 approches. Even DishTV is saying, "Switch while still affordable". Not a good sign!

[willyrover]

Originally Posted by NeedForSpeed

Even DishTV is saying, "Switch while still affordable". Not a good sign!

Which translates to "Switch before prices plummet so we can lock you into a contract for 3 years." Scare tactics in advertising is nothing new.

[kx250rider]

I haven't seen one here in Los Angeles yet, but I don't watch much TV except for KTLA news.

Charles

[RCAkid]

I saw the HD ad Christmas Eve here in Oklahoma City. No real fanfare, just an animated spot giving the basic details.

I am sure most people don't have a clue and will freak come Feb 2009, assuming this really happens.

[MRX37]

I am anticipating that unless some unforseen event happens, poorer people will be VERY angry come February 2009, and a big stink will be raised. Accusations that the FCC is against poor people will be made.

If a big enough stink is raised, analog might come back... in some form...