? for Non-Americans

[mattpg1]

For those in the USA, On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format.


I'm wondering what the story in other countries is.

Please fill me in.

[GretaP]

In Canada, the deadline for digital only format is August 31, 2011

[smurfy]

"A final date will be set once 75% of New Zealand households have digital television, or in 2012 – whichever occurs first."

[mattpg1]

Thanks

So far, so good.

[peterm69]

This is our switch over http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/

[oracle128]

We haven't switched yet, our date keeps getting pushed back.
http://www.smarthouse.com.au/TVs_And...ustry/Q3E6L9A8

[mattpg1]

Thanks

[DJoe]

Will this affect FreeToAir (FTA) people?

Besides making profit, makes me wonder if there isn't a reason behind forcing people to digital converters?

[jtdoom]

germany, Berlin killed analog broadcast in mid 2003
the netherlands, december 2006
Belgium, november 2008 for the dutch broadcasts, and 2011 for the south Belgians.

[rynprov]

I have cable TV. Should I be fine with cable when TV goes digital around late 2000s/early 2010s?

[renegade600]

Originally Posted by DJoe

Will this affect FreeToAir (FTA) people?

Besides making profit, makes me wonder if there isn't a reason behind forcing people to digital converters?

digital cable can be used to keep track of everything you watch and tell you what you can or cannot record.

[DJoe]

Uhh Ha, the Big Brother factor. That doesn't sound good.

Anywho I was thinking that it also had to do with National Security or Signal Piracy.

[Name:]

it's a shame that the government is forcing this. I mean, digital is great, don't get me wrong, but I know a few people that could not afford it, and will end up probably never watching TV again. And I also have the same question DJoe, I guess everyone just wants to make money...

[mattpg1]

Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program. For more information, visit the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov. The Commission’s DTV website, www.dtv.gov, also provides information for consumers on the upcoming digital-to-analog converter box coupon program. More detailed information regarding NTIA’s coupon program, what digital-to-analog converter boxes will be eligible, where and when they may be purchased, and the related costs involved is provided by the Commission and NTIA as of the commencement of the coupon program on January 1, 2008.

[renegade600]

but did you know that there is a lawsuit over those digital boxes because they favor the big tv stations, not the smaller ones that rebroadcast or other who are not required to switch to digital because of their size?

see this

The problem facing the 2,600 low-power television stations represented by the association is that they are not subject to the deadline. Viewers who buy a converter box may actually block the low-power analog signal from those stations, while the full-power digital signal displays normally.

In addition to low-power stations, about 4,300 translator stations, which boost signals from full-power stations and relay them to rural areas, also are exempt from the 2009 deadline.