Question for the Experts

[David M.]

Has anyone been able to tell why we are being forced to covert to digital tv signals? This may have been covered here before, I can't remember. It just smells funny to me as to why the entire US has to switch. And I know it has nothing to do with "stimulating the economy".

[lazer128]

I'm certainly not an expert, but this is what is being published. Makes sense, I guess?. Way for someone to make some money, maybe?


An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads). Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband).

[voodoo]

Digital is also easier to manipulate and censor. Well, thats what an "expert" said.;)

[Visinedrops]

If you convert TV signal into digital code, it's easier to broadcast as it takes less power. TV's of old days use high band frequencies, VHF is from 30-300MHz, while UHF is between 300MHz and 3GHz.
Digital TV can send multiple channels through a bandwidth, instead of being limited to one channel per several frequencies. (similar to standard radio).
Wikipedia Digital TV defines it much clearer than I can.

[David M.]

I appreciate all the input. I just can't help but think there's a more ominus reason behind it. It may be just exactly what it is...or not! I guess time will tell. Thanks again.

[Rednekdaddy]

It also makes subliminal Messaging allot easier

[Rustyshakelford]

A challenge fo everyone here.

Shut the TV off and do not turn it on for 10 days. See if you really miss it. I do not watch brain rot. Some day I will relate my analogy of American sports and TV to the Roman collesium games.

[Ulath]

I'll take that challenge. Haven't watched anything but an occational DVD movie in two years. A buddy at work asked if I watched the UFC fight and I said I did't have any reception. You might have though I threw a snake in his face. He asked what I did at night. I said "Its called a book. You know those pages with all that writing stuff on them."

[Rustyshakelford]

I'll take that challenge. Haven't watched anything but an occational DVD movie in two years. A buddy at work asked if I watched the UFC fight and I said I did't have any reception. You might have though I threw a snake in his face. He asked what I did at night. I said "Its called a book. You know those pages with all that writing stuff on them."

I usually turn the idiot box on in the morning to the local morning show to catch the weather. I am not sure why, it only rains 3-4 times a year out here.

[TheUnboundOne]

Rusty,

Before finally getting a DVD in 2005, I went for years at a time since 1992 not watching TV. The only reason I watch a TV anymore is for an occasional DVD or to watch something especially educational on my Dad and Stepmother's satellite TV when I'm at their place. Books, magazines, radio, and the Internet are my media of choice.

(Get this: My Dad and Stepmother have a DirectTV satellite dish with access to hundreds of channels, yet all they ever watch is Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? and Everybody Loves Raymond. I swear, I'll never understand Dad and my Stepmom.) :confused:

Web 2.0 videos from YouTube, Google, and MetaCafe are also great when they have content that I can learn from and enjoy, but that can turn into an even more alluring mind candy if you're not careful.

Now that I have an MP3 player, I've developed a liking for downloading music and for podcasts, such as The Survival Podcast (http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com )

In a SHTF scenario, if all the power went out and there was no computer or TV, I still have dynamo-powered radios, solar-powered radios, battery-free crystal radio sets, and books and magazines, so I hardly consider myself a TV addict. When I watch it, it's because I want to watch it, not because it is a compulsive narcotic.