Like many of us, you're probably still planning to hang on to at least one old, trustworthy analog TV in your home even after the analog to digital transition occurs in February 2009. Hopefully, you've also planned on how you're going to get it to display digital signals. It's not going to do this on its own, so you're going to need to give it some help. Don't know what I'm talking about? Don't worry - you have a some time left to get prepared.
Simply put, after the transition occurs, none of your analog televisions will be able to receive free, over-the-air TV signals. This means your bunny ears will not work. Period. This goes for all your analog TVs including, portable TVs, that old TV in the spare bedroom, and the little TV you keep in the kitchen just for local news and programming. The good news is you have 3 different options to choose from when preparing for the transition, and you don't have to waste gas driving all over town to find what you need. AllAmericanDirect.com has them all in one place, online, so you don't even have to change out of your pajamas and bunny slippers.
Here are your options:
1. Purchase a digital converter box - A converter box is a very simple, small device that has the power to accept the digital broadcast signals and converter them to analog signals, which your TV is able to understand and display. These boxes sell full price for about $60, but you can apply for up to two government coupons worth $40 each to put towards the cost of the box(es). To apply for the coupons, simply visit www.dtv2009.gov. Once you get your coupon codes, you may purchase them online or over the phone at AllAmericanDirect.com.
2.Upgrade Your Antenna - Ok, this one really isn't an option all by itself, but I thought it was worth mentioning if you enjoy watching your favorite shows with good reception. If you use an antenna or bunny ears at all, you still need that converter box I mentioned in number 1. However, just like with your analog signals, an antenna will help improve the quality of signal reception. On AllAmericanDirect.com, you can find the right TV antenna for your home and order online.
3. Subscribe to Pay-TV Service - Pay TV includes services like digital cable TV or satellite TV. If you subscribe to either of these, you won't need a converter box. Until recently, this option may have seemed out of reach for many due to the cost of the available programming packages. However, Dish Network just released a package for just $9.99 a month that includes 20 all-digital channels. This is a great, low-priced alternative if you're not ready to endulge yourself in the dozens or even hundreds of channels available in higher tier packages. Click here to check out the different packages and pricing options for Dish Network TV.
4. Update Your TV - I know it brings tears to the eyes, but you could chuck that old analog TV and replace it with a sleek new digital television. Newer models feature an integrated digital tuner, so they don't need a separate box to receive over-the-air digital signals. Plus, if you opt for a High Definition television and your local stations broadcast in HD, then you'll get to see those too. There are many other benefits to upgrading now as well, for instance, flat panel TVs take up less space and run far more effeciently than your current CRT unit. Take a look around on AllAmericanDirect.com and browse our full line of name brand HDTVs. You're sure to find one you like.
