Friday, June 22, 2007

FCC fines major consumer electronics retailers

Big Box Electronics Retailers Face Hefty Fines

Recently, the FCC began issuing citations to major electronics retailers such as Best Buy, RadioShak, Comp USA, Kmart and Circuit City, for failing to post warnings near their TV sets without internal digital tuners. If you recently purchased an analog television, the notice below is what you should have seen posted near the tv. If you're a retailer, you should make sure this statement is posted near every analog tv set to ensure compliance.

Consumer Alert
This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.dtv.org.
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To find out more about the analog to digital transition, read my previous blog entry or visit http://www.2009countdown.com/.
Find great prices on FCC compliant High Definition Televisions at http://www.allamericandirect.com/

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Analog TV to Digital TV - The Digital TV Transition

The DTV Transition - Are you ready?

On February 17, 2009 analog broadcasts will cease to exist, leaving many without the ability to receive TV programs such as the news or their favorite shows.

I wish I could say there's been a lot of buzz around this particular topic, but I can't. So far, it' s been more like a dull hum instead. If you either feel as if you don't know as much information as you should about the digital transition, or don't know anything at all, don't feel bad. You're not alone. It has been proven a majority of Americans are not even aware these broadcasts are disappearing.

February 17, 2009 has been selected by Congress as the date all analog television broadcasts will stop, and stations will fully transition over to Digital Television (DTV) broadcasts. Since early 2006, most TV broadcasters have been sending both analog and digital signals. Once these analog signals are discontinued for Television viewing, they will be reused for public safety services such as emergency, fire and rescue, as well as advanced wireless services.

Unless you recently updated all your televisions, you likely are relying on an analog TV to view your programs, and receiving either free over-the-air signals with an antenna, or subscribing to pay TV services. When broadcasters stop sending analog signals, you will not be able to view over-the-air signals without obtaining a separate set-top box. These converter or set-top boxes are capable of receiving the incoming digital signals, and then converting it to display on your analog set. Without the aid of this additional equipment, you will not be able to receive free over-the-air digital broadcasts to any form of analog TV, including your small handheld TVs, or that small black and white tv in the kitchen. While these converter boxes will be relatively low cost, affording one may be difficult for some. In order to ease the burden for these consumers, the government has set up a converter box coupon program. This program allows a household up to 2 coupons valued at $40 each to use toward the purchase of up to 2 converter boxes. If you do not want a separate set-top box, your options are to either upgrade to a new TV with a built-in digital tuner or subscribe to pay TV services, such as Digital Cable or Satellite TV. Most newer TVs, especially those manufactured after March 1, 2007, have been equipped with built-in digital (ATSC) tuners to pick up over-the-air digital signals. If you currently are a Digital Cable or Satellite TV subscriber, you will be least affected by the transition. However, if you want to view Digital TV at its optimum capability, called High Definition, you will want to check with your provider to make sure you have the right equipment.
Read more about the Digital TV transition and High Definition at www.2009Countdown.com.

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Sopranos - A grande finale or major disappointment?

I didn't really intend to use this blog to write about entertainment related topics, but with the unexpected ending of the Sopranos final episode, I couldn't resist.

I'll have to admit, I didn't start really getting into The Sopranos on HBO until last year. By "really getting into" it, I mean intentionally carving out my Sunday evenings, cancelling plans, doing whatever it takes to catch the episode. Hindsight shows me it probably would have been a good idea to upgrade to the DVR... Prior to 2006, I was a fair-weather fan, tuning in only when it was convenient, crossed my mind, or the only thing "good" on TV. Thank goodness A&E has started re-broadcasting the earlier episodes. I can finally catch up on everything I missed!

Regardless of my viewing commitment issues, I was really looking forward to the final episode. Poised and ready on the sofa for a really great ending, my husband and I were debating which of the remaining characters were going to get whacked. Would it be Tony? Paulie? Would A.J. step up to the plate and join his father?

Then. Fade to black.

What?!?!

It left so many questions unanswered. Yet it also brought up a few of more, like "will there be a movie?" and "what was the significance of the fade out?" A few people I know believed Tony was shot. To support this theory, they pointed out in more than one episode, Tony repeated the question "Do you ever hear the one that gets you?", and his family would often reference his advice to "make the most of the good times". My interpretation is not as gloomy. I think the Soprano family was given a chance to continue on as they always have with new challenges, and problems. Carmela was seen looking over plans for a beach house. Would Tony finally stop cheating on his wife, and would they settle down to live a quiet, more modest existence by the beach now that both children are fully grown? A.J. and Meadow both seem happy, and are looking forward to promising futures. I prefer to assume Tony does not die, and instead gets to spend his remaining time (before his looming trial date) making the most of the good times with his family.

I guess we'll just have to continue guessing, or resolve to feel confident in our own interpretations. Thanks David Chase for a great run.


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Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Cable rates set to rise in Santa Fe, NM

Monthly rates are rising for cable tv subscribers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rates are expected to rise 6.6% beginning July 1, 2007.
*Promotional Offers: require participation in DHA-24. 3 Months Free: requires qualifying programming, including AT100 or higher, DishLATINO or higher, DishHD package or a select qualifying International package. Customer receives 3 credits of $39.99 each, applied to the 1st, 10th and 20th months of service. Customer must maintain qualifying programming service to receive all three credits. DHPP: After 9 free months of DHPP, customer must call to downgrade or then-current price will apply.

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