Quote:
Originally Posted by 1881-A
This must have been what the news anchors were talking about... This came from 9NEWS - Home Page. The Denver NBC station.
Will consumers have to pay to receive HDTV broadcasts?
No. Unlike digital cable where consumers pay monthly fees for services, HDTV provides high quality programming and more content via free over-the-air broadcasts.
What about my existing analog TV?
Until the total conversion to HDTV is made, broadcasters will generally simulcast the same programs on two different channels - one in a digital format and one in analog. Viewers with analog sets will be able to convert a digital signal to an analog signal by hooking up a digital tuner decoder box to their sets; however, they will not be able to experience the crystal clear pictures and sound quality that a HDTV set provides, nor will they experience the advantages of datacasting or interactive television. |
I think I kinda see what is happening here. From what I have found the stations are broadcasting in HD and SD. Both are digital and both are free along with being mixed together. I think local stations just jumped straight from going digital to HD/SD which may be why they are using the HD reference. But as Bill stated what they are saying is what he stated. Analog OTA is leaving by federal mandate and being replaced with digital OTA. If you have a digital tuner in your current television you need nothing and will not be affected. If you have an analog tv you will need a converter box or a new tv. If your tv does not have a tuner built in (monitor) you will still need some form of tuner.