[mythtv-users] DTV: It Has Begun

jedi jedi at mishnet.org
Tue Sep 9 15:27:32 UTC 2008


On Mon, Sep 08, 2008 at 02:41:49PM -0600, Brian Wood wrote:
> Jay R. Ashworth wrote:
> > While everyone knows that The Big Ol' Analog Switch will be getting
> > pulled next spring, and OTA NTSC-M will be no more (except for low power
> > stations and translators; pity them), I'd bet most of you didn't know
> > that Wilmington NC pulled said switch *today at Noon ET*:
> 
> The reporter who said this compares with the switch from B+W to color is
> totally wrong. That transition did not require anyone to purchase new
> equipment, and every B+W set out there continued to work precisely the
> same as it did before that changeover.
> 
> This is because NTSC color is compatible with B+W transmission.
> 
> ATSC is NOT compatible with NTSC, and the transition is totally
> different from B+W to color, or FM mono to FM multiplex.
> 
> Though I admit I don't see any way that digital could have been made
> compatible with analog TV.

     They certainly could have made the transition less expensive.
The way the Europeans rolled this out seems remarkably more sensible.
Not everyone wants to toss out their old sets or spend a lot of money
to buy new equipment. Cheaper "future proof" sets should have been on
the market along time before the switchover.

     The whole thing seems like an artificial way to inflate the sales
of overpriced TV sets.

> 
> Now lets all wait and see if the "public safety enhancements", touted as
> a major reason for this switch, materialize. Anyone want to place bets?


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