What's the deal with this digital TV switch?

sallyc2003

I just got an email from Time Warner, and I've seen some commercials on tv about this switch to digital TV.  Anyone understand it?  Do we *have* to do it? We don't actually have cable tv, so we just get the local channels through an antenna.  I am wondering if we do have to get the box if we want to continue to see the local channels.

 TIA!

JustLes

From what I've read and understand, in February of 2009, all analog cable will no longer exist and digital cable will be the new standard.  Cable providers are required to notify their customers of the switch in order to give them the opportunity to change the way they receive channels, which is why Time Warner sent you that email.  Your antenna will no longer receive signals since your local channels will be transmitted digitally, so you will have to subscribe to a cable service.

sarahbear

Unless you use an antenna to get channels (bunny ears) you don't have to do anything. Cable and satelite providers (Time Warner, Dish Network, etc.) will convert the signal for you. Don't go buying anything special. You won't even notice the change.

Pil

There's a couple of things going on, like the PP said, on February 09 ALL TV channels will stop transmitting in an analog format, so "air" channels will stop transmitting/working, if you have an older TV you'll need to get cable AND a analog to digital converter (I believe cable companies will have them available), if you have a newer TV set and regular or digital cable then you don't have to do anything. HTH.