HDTV Ready Televisions Work Without Digital Input
As the mandated shift to digital broadcasting draws closer there are many people wondering what they will do with their old televisions in the wake of the change, coming in early 2009. While there will be additional boxes available that will allow most of the older analog televisions to display the digital signals, many are opting to go ahead and buy a new HDTV ready television. Even without having a current high definition subscription service, the HDTV ready televisions will still show traditional broadcasts.
In fact, one of the most common misconceptions among buyers of HDTV ready televisions is that simply owning a new set will provide the picture quality being touted by manufacturers and broadcasters, as well as cable and satellite television providers. In truth, without digital high definition signals flowing into the HDTV ready, they probably will not see any difference from what they are used to viewing.
Despite many viewers claiming they are not willing to spend the extra money to buy a HDTV ready television as well as pay a higher price for cable or satellite digital signals, the sales of these units have continued to increase over the past couple of years. Considering that the first high definition television did not go on sale in the United States until 1998, the technology has experienced an extremely rapid growth.
Consumers Getting Ready For The Switch
Currently, signals from satellite and cable companies are primarily in digital with these companies offering a set-top box to enable their signals to be viewed on analog televisions. They also charge a higher price to those with an HDTV ready television who want to experience the true high definition picture. Many consumers may purchase a HDTV ready television, but are waiting to see the state of the distribution industry following the mandatory shift to digital broadcasting.
Those without cable or satellite services, relying on their free broadcast antenna can still use a HDTV ready television, but may need to have a converter for their sets to make the picture viewable on older analog sets. A digital antenna connected to a HDTV ready television that is capable of receiving locally broadcast digital signal can enjoy high definition programming from the fee broadcast signals.
Some folks are hoping that once the mandate is active, scheduled for February, 2009 that the digital programming will become part of all packages they subscribe to and having the new HDTV ready will enable them to enjoy high definition programs without paying a premium price.
