Suzanne in Parkville writes:
I’m confused about the digital transition. We currently get our TV signal through Comcast cable, but we haven’t had the digital package. Do we need to get a converter box to continue to get (for example) HGTV, the Food Network, the Weather Channel once February 17, 2009 comes along? I’ve heard conflicting reports. Thanks for any help!
First and most importantly, if you’re a cable subscriber, you’ll never need one of these “digital converter boxes” that the government is offering coupons for. Those are exclusively for TV’s that use antennas to pick up local broadcasters.
As to whether you’ll continue getting cable networks after February 17. Yes, you will. But depending on your TV setup, you may have to make changes eventually. It’s not about whether you have a “digital package” or not, but whether you have a digital cable box. Comcast sometimes provides these digital boxes even if you’re just receiving the “basic” channels like HGTV, Food Network and Weather Channel. If you already have one of these boxes, you’re set for life.
The potential problem for cable customers arises for those without digital cable boxes who plug the cable wire directly into the back of their TV and tune cable channels with their television rather than a cable box. These “analog cable-ready” setups will eventually be obsolete, but not any time soon. It’s my understanding that the cable industry is obligated to continue offering your local channels for use in this manner until 2012. Networks like the ones menitoned above, however, could disappear from analog cable-ready lineups before then as the industry eliminates them to make more room for digital channels.
But the bottom line is that you’re fine for the time being. The cable industry doesn’t want to add to the confusion, so they’re not likely to make any radical changes in the next year or two. You may eventually need a digital cable box, but that’s not something you need to worry about in the next year.
so, will the converter boxes help analog T.V.s after 2012?
Any TV hooked up to a cable TV service will never, ever need one of these “Digital Converter Boxes” the government is offering coupons for. Those are only for analog TVs that receive signals through an antenna.
Cable customers with older televisions will likely eventually have to use digital *cable* boxes, but this won’t happen imminently. It will likely take years for cable companies to make this change. It is completely separate from broadcast TVs digital transition and will happen on a different timetable for each cable company.
Thanks John.
I have minimal $12.00 analog, that gets all the non-premium channels. I don’t want to ask for any box that will bump me up to Comcast’s non-mandated minimum service.
The $12.00 service took much ratchet jawing to get. They really want you to have the over $24.00 “minimal” service, which includes the box.