This post if for those 2-3 non-cable/fios/direct-tv/etc subscribers in Richmond who read blogs. I used our FCC coupon this morning to get a DTV converter box(a GE unit that seems nice so far). If you just have broadcast TV then you’ll need to get one before February 17th when the old analog signals go dead. Here are my first impressions:
- The picture quality is quite a bit better!
- There is basic channel guide capabilities per channel. You can see what’s on next.
- I wish the remote for the DTV box also turned off and on our TV.
- CBS 6, WRIC8(ABC), NBC12, Fox 35 and CW65 All come in very clear, as does WCVE.
- There are some extra channels. 6 and 12 both have weather channels(6.2 and 12.2). WCVE(PBS station) has 3 channels(23.1, 23.2, 23.3) all with what looks like real programming.
- Missing from our channel lineup now are those 24 hour preaching channels. They won’t be missed here.
All in all I’m pretty impressed with the upgrade in quality and the couple of new features. Nothing earth-shattering, but will make our limited TV watching a little nicer.
Nice to hear your transition went smoothly and that you are enjoying the new way our govt. is forcing us to watch tv!
This is one beef i have with this requirement and i do not quite understand why they legislated this. We have major problems with cable (maybe it’s Comcast) and digital pictures freezing, digitizing and breaking up, and a few other probs. Is there a reason you know of why they are dumping analog?
My other beef is with legalizing the use of the new enegy efficient light bulbs. i forget when, but the bulbs we have always used will be fazed out and not allowed to be made anymore. i understand being green and efficient and i am all for that, but the new energy efficient bulbs have mercury in them and have to be disposed of properly, which is really not known, i don’t think.
Oh well, we are all going to die one day for one reason or another. Se La Vie (sp?)
Adele
Hey Adele. They are dumping analog because digital is a much more efficient use of the radio spectrum. And that is where the regulation comes in for tv, it’s regulation of radio frequencies.
And yeah, regulating certain technologies seems to be off focus… I’m a fan of regulating energy efficiency though, and while there is overlap there is a world of difference. And while CFL light bulbs do have mercury in them and we should be aware of that they are really only a stopgap until good LED light bulbs become generally available. They are even more energy efficient and have no mercury.
being that other Richmonder with no cable… this is all good to know! i think i’m most excited about not getting the preaching channel!