Using ATSC Set-Top-Boxes with vintage sets.

[ChrisW6ATV]

Originally Posted by matt_s78mn

It's interesting that conversations about digital TV usually turn negative, with people noting lots of reception problems, issues receiving in bad weather (which in turn would be bad during an emergency.) etc. etc. I an totally understand the argument, but I'm trying to embrace it and get used to it as a viewer, given that in a little over a year, that's what we will have for OTA television. Actually I am enjoying the added sub-channels, which give me a few more choices to watch.

I just want to ad to the conversation by stating that in many markets, a lot of the digital transmitters are not operating at full power. (specifically the Fox station in my market only has a 500w digital transmitter.) To give you an example, the station I work for plans on doing several upgrades when Feb. 2009 comes. When we shut off our analog transmitter, we will be retrofitting it with a digital exciter and replacing the antenna (at the top of our 800 ft. tower) - the current digital antenna is side mounted and not quite as high and that will be taken out of service. In addition, we will be doubling our output power. The combination of these upgrades should give us a very similar coverage contour to our current analog. So, that being said, everyone's field strength should improve. Therefore, some of the issues that people have been pointing out will be addressed. Well, obviously we'll have to wait and see what that will be like, but I personally don't think it will be as "doom-and-gloom" as some are predicting.

Thank you for the informed, detailed post from an industry insider, Matt. It is funny, or just sad, indeed, when people think in order to support the old classic equipment, they also have to constantly disparage and point out the shortcomings of new technology (while seldom if ever mentioning the good parts). Personally, I have been done with analog TV for years, and I will not miss it when it goes away completely. I will enjoy using some of my antique TV sets from time to time, with converters as discussed above.