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Did you know that over-the-air TV broadcasts will change from
its current analog signal to a digital signal in 2009? Starting February 17, 2009, all over-the-air broadcasts will use a
digital signal. Current TVs that are connected to an antenna will not work. You have few options: purchase a TV with an
ATSC tuner, purchase a DVD recorder or DVR that has a built-in ATSC tuner, or purchase a special "set-top" box that converts
the new digital TV signal to an analog format for current TVs. The federal government is offering a coupon program (2 coupons
per household) that will help defray the cost of the "set-top" box. For more information on the government's coupon program,
visit www.dtv.gov. In most situations, a good outdoor VHF/UHF antenna will receive the digital over-the-air signals; however,
the range of the digital signals is less than current analog signals.
Recently purchased a converter box from Wal-Mart for $49.95 less the $40
government coupon. It works great! Many more channels are available as sub-channels and the picture quality is great, much
better than analog reception. All the stations (Providence as well as Boston area stations) appear equal in picture quality.
I'm using a typical VHF/UHF antenna with a pre-amp and RG59 cable. My antenna is situated in the attic of our garage and
all the cabling is indoors. Outdoor cabling may need to be upgraded to RG9.
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