Welcome to HDTV
Made Simple!

Will You Be Able To Watch Your TV
After February 17, 2009?

(a site for those that just want to watch HDTV, not get a degree in it!)

So What's Happening on February 17, 2009??? 

I'm glad you asked.  The U.S. Government has mandated that TV stations in the U.S. stop broadcasting analog TV signals over the air after February 17, 2009.  Analog TV signals are what we've all been receiving since TV broadcasts began many decades ago.  This means that if you have been receiving TV over the air using an external antenna (and not cable or satellite paid services) then you need to take action before February 17, 2009 to make sure you can still watch TV after that date.  If you currently subscribe to cable or satellite TV services, then most likely, you won't have to do anything.  Just to be safe, you should check with your service provider to make sure.  I'll be publishing a separate section later just for cable and satellite subscribers.

Learn to Receive HDTV Over The Air

After February 17, 2009, digital television signals will be the only TV signals broadcast over the air.  Your old analog TV (the one you've probably been watching for over five years now...) will not receive those signals.  But don't worry.. if you've been getting TV over the air for free for all these years, chances are good that you still can and that you don't have to buy a new TV, spend a lot of money, or subscribe to cable or satellite.  

You'll learn how to receive HDTV over the air, and you'll probably get a clearer picture and better sound, even on the TV you've got now.  The hype today about this change is that those new digital signals can bring HDTV (High Definition Television) to your home.  HDTV boasts of a picture that carries much greater detail and better sound than the old analog signals. But be aware that even though all TV signals broadcast over the air in the future will will be digital, some programming will be broadcast in a lower resolution format, known as SDTV (Standard Definition TV) or EDTV (Enhanced Digital TV).  More on that later though.

There is a actually a lot of good news with the change over to all digital broadcasts, even if you keep your old TV.  And we'll explain what those are, and more.  This site will answer your questions on what you need to do to receive HDTV broadcasts and how to take action. 

Who is this site for?

Everyday TV viewers, especially those that are not technical wizards, engineers, or computer geniuses, and have no desire to become one!  You don't need to know anything about HDTV, computers, electronics, or science to use this site!

For those who want to get Free digital TV over the air:

	What is HDTV anyway? (and how is that different from DTV?)
	How to receive FREE HDTV over the air.
	How to get coupons from the U.S. Government that can save you up to $40 on an HDTV converter box.
	What's an HDTV Converter Box? (and do I need one?)
	How to use your old analog TV for years to come.
	Possible ways you can lower your cable TV or satellite TV bill, thanks to HDTV!
	What to do if you have an HDTV ready TV (and what is one of those anyway?

For those that want to buy a new digital TV, Digital Video Recorder, or are considering cable or satellite TV for the first time:

Hang on, sections for you are coming.

Now Back to HDTV Over the Air..

Just click on the menu item on the left that fits the topic you want to know more about or get started with the suggested links below.

The section of the site covers the steps needed to receive free HDTV using an antenna .  You can take a quick read and get an overview, or take your time and see a step by step guide to take you from where you are now to receiving HDTV signals over the air on your old analog TV!

HDTV Over the Air - Introductory Information

HDTV Over The Air- Simple Steps

HDTV Over The Air - Step by Step Guide

Though I have tried to keep this site simple, there are some terms you need to know.  Check out the HDTV In Plain English section for more.

This site is still under development, so check back often for updates!  Or if you want to be notified of updates or significant news, you can sign up here.  Your email address and info you provide will be used only for this newsletter.   We do not sell or rent mailing lists.

To help us keep this journey fun, I have asked for a little help from the site's mascot, Laser Beam, or just plain "Laser" for short.  He's going to keep us smiling as we learn about HDTV together! 

Laser, our Golden Retriever puppy, likes watching HDTV!

Hammacher Schlemmer at SHOP.COM