Important Digital Conversion Information for Satellite and Cable TV Subscribers

As we inch closer and closer to the Digital TV Transition occurring on February 19, 2009, we start to see some of the less obvious points of the conversion come to light. Most information floating around out there states that if you subscribe to satellite TV or cable TV you won't be affected by the digital conversion in 2009. And that's true....for a majority of subscribers. What many educators of the Digital TV Transition don't realize is that not all satellite or cable equipment is created equal.

If you are in the majority of satellite or cable subscribers with a newer model receiver box, and are already receiving digital signals then you won't be affected by the transition. If you haven't updated your equipment in a long time, or know your box is only able to receive analog signals, then you will not be able to receive the digital signals after the digital transition. You will need to contact your television programming provider to find out how to upgrade your equipment.

Also, just because you are receiving digital signals does not mean you will be able to receive and view High Definition digital signals. Standard definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) signals are two different types of digital signals, and you need special equipment to view HD. There are a few things you need in order to view HD programming. First, you need an HD TV capable of displaying the High Def signals. Second, you will need to subscribe to an HD programming source such as from a satellite or cable provider. Third, you will need a receiver box capable of receiving HD signals. If HD local channels are available in your area, you may be able to pick them up if your HD TV has a built-in tuner, but you won't receive premium networks such as ESPN HD or Discovery HD without paying for HD programming.

If you're interested in upgrading to 100% digital programming or receiving High Definition channels