azumanga said:
Walter Graff said:
They are even telling folks that if they don't get a digital box by February, that they will loose their cable signal. This of course is incorrect and the FCC is taking steps now to stop this illegal practice.
Unless, of course, Time Warner is genuinely switching to an all-digital service, such as what Comcast did in Chicago.
THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR CABLE COMPANIES TO MAKE YOU SWITCH TO DIGITAL SERVICE BY FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR! They may offer it, but not under the premise that you will loose service if you don't get it due to the over the air switch. Only folks with antennas must get a digital tuner or risk loosing their signals. The cable companies are simply trying to get more money from customers telling them they need to switch to digital cable. This is wrong and against the law. The FCC is going after cable companies for doing this. They've recently ruled that cable companies must continue to provide access to broadcast networks on analog cable until 2012. The 1992 Cable Act is very clear. Cable operators must ensure that all local broadcast stations carried pursuant to this Act are "viewable" by all cable subscribers. Thus, they may not simply cut off the signals of these must-carry broadcast stations after the digital transition. And yes, companies can still convert to all digital cable, as Comcast has done in Chicago, in which case you'll obviously need to convert. Make sure this is the case or contact the state attorney general.
Here are some myths that you can help.
1. The Death Of Analog Cable Has Something To Do With The DTV Switch. Cable companies who are getting rid of analog cable (the kind that plugs into your TV directly) are blaming the DTV switch. It actually is just a business decision and it has nothing to do with digital broadcast television. If they told you otherwise, they are lying to you so that you don't get mad at them for making you get digital cable. Feel free to be mad at them.
2. You Need An HDTV For The DTV Switch. No. If a salesperson told you this, they were trying to screw you. All TVs will work after the DTV switch. You might need a converter box — but regular old non-HD TVs will work. To see if you need a converter box, follow this handy flowchart.
3. You Need To Upgrade To Digital Cable Because of the DTV Switch. Some cable companies are trying to upsell you on the digital cable package. If your cable company continues to offer analog cable, they will be required to provide you with your local channels in analog until 2012. No box needed. If they are discontinuing analog cable and trying to blame the DTV switch, see Myth #1.
And you might try an antenna. You will actually get a better picture over the air for a digital channel than you do with cable.
