This morning’s news about Time Warner briefly blacking out CBS networks made clear that there are a lot of reasons why you might consider ditching your cable subscription. Newer televisions receive digital signals, but what about antennas? Are we still stuck with huge, hideous rabbit ears or metal rods on our roofs and balconies? Nope. [More]
dtv
Make Your Own Indoor HDTV Antenna From Cardboard And Aluminum Foil
By 8.8.11
You could drop $40-$70 on an indoor HDTV antennae, or you could make your own for a few bucks out of cardboard and aluminum foil. Since most TVs have built-in HD tuners, you can get local TV without paying for cable just by applying your DIY know-how. Reader Dave shares his instructions. [More]
I Can't Afford Cable Anymore. How Can I Revive My Analog TV?
By 8.5.10
We hear the same exhortation everywhere: cut the cable! Save money! Ditch your cable company and live free! But if you had cable TV during the great DTV switch back in 2009, you probably didn’t think to send away for any government-subsidized converter boxes. If you’ve recently dropped your cable subscription out of rage or frugality, what are your options? Karen wants to know, and hopes that Consumerist readers have some ideas. [More]
Last Chance To Request $40 Digital TV Converter Box Coupons!
By 7.25.09
Alright slowpokes, you have less than a week to finally request your digital TV converter box coupons. The Department of Commerce plans to hand out the last $40 coupons on July 31. You don’t need a converter box if you pay for TV or have a newer set, but if you’ve been wondering where your stories have been since June 12, request a coupon while they’re still available.
My In-Laws Won't Stop Using A Converter Box On Their New LCD TV
By 6.26.09
Even after the DTV switch, converter-box drama persists. Reader Bob is concerned that his in-laws were oversold on a converter box for their brand new TV.
From The Archive: DTV Transition Flowchart For Those Of You Who Are Still Confused
By 6.12.09
Back in December we posted this easy to follow flowchart that should help to eliminate any remaining confusion about today’s DTV transition. Enjoy.
Brace Yourself For Tonight's DTV Transition
By 6.12.09
Analog television broadcasts end tonight at 11:59 PM. Are you ready? Are you tired of hearing about this yet? If you’ve put off buying a digital converter box, or you want to use the transition as an excuse to buy a shiny new TV, Consumer Reports is here to show you how to choose the awesomest model you can find.
Three Million People Are "Totally Unprepared" For The Digital Transition
By 6.6.09
We all know the switch to digital transition is next Friday, June 12. Most of us already have cable, or satellite, or digital converters. But not three million Americans, who according to Nielsen, are still “totally unprepared for the transition and will lose their reception.”
2 Hrs, 25 Min On Hold Just To Get A Busted DTV Converter
By 2.26.09
All told, reader Sam sat on hold with the Fuai Corporation for 2 hours and 25 minutes only to end up with a DTV box with a busted-up face that didn’t even have the analog pass-through feature he paid for. That could be a problem if he still wants to watch his local PBS affiliate station…
Drunk Old Man Shoots TV After DTV Converter Box Doesn't Work
By 2.20.09
Maybe it was the hooch, or maybe it was the fact that he was missing his TMZ, but a 70-year-old man in Missouri was arrested yesterday for unlawful use of a firearm after he shot up his TV. According to Minneapolis/St. Paul news station KARE11, he “was angry that he had lost his cable, and was unable to get his new DTV converter to work properly.” According to his wife, he had been drinking.
The DTV Transition Has Been Delayed, But Some Stations Are Going Forward
By 2.17.09
Today was supposed to be the DTV transition day, were it not for the complete and utter disaster that was the coupon program. Now, the new transition day is June 12, but some stations, mostly in rural areas, are making the switch anyway.
Radio Shack Employee Lies, Says Government Requires Your Name And Address To Use DTV Coupon
By 2.11.09
Tim tried to use a Digital TV coupon at a Philadelphia Radio Shack and was told that he had to provide his name and address in order to redeem it, as per government regulations. Strike out “government” and replace with “imaginary” and you’re closer to the truth. Hmm, did this Radio Shack employee just break the law?
By 2.6.09
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Twitter genius from badbanana: “They should make a Matlock reunion special where the plot fully explains the upcoming digital TV transition.” [via BestAt]
By 2.4.09
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With a vote of 264-158, the House agreed to delay the DTV transition to June 12. The Senate voted last week for the delay, and President Obama is expected to sign it. The delay will help the millions of consumers whose coupons expired before the converters were even available, as well as the two million on a waiting list for the coupons.
DTV Converter Box's "Easy Install Instructions" Anything But
By 2.3.09
“Good luck” shouts the instructions that came with Marc’s aunt’s Sansonic DTV converter box. No, really, it says right there in all caps, “GOOD LUCK,” as in, “you have 50/50 chance your old antenna will not work well.” Yes, that’s another quote from the manual. “In her case, her luck was limited,” writes Marc, “Great reception for everything except the local PBS station, which is about the only thing she watches.” Full “Easy Install Instructions” inside…
By 1.30.09
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After failing to get the required two-third majority on Wednesday, the House is expected next week to pass legislation delaying the digital television transition to June 12, according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. The Senate has already voted to extend the deadline, and President Obama has indicated he will sign the bill.
Consumer Crusader Sets Sights On DTV Coupon Tax Law
By 1.29.09
Remember Mary Bach? She’s the Pennsylvania woman who makes a hobby of suing retailers for not following her state’s tax laws. Well, this time she’s caught CVS charging sales tax on DTV converter boxes. Tsk, tsk.
By 1.28.09
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Knife to the eye! The Digital TV transition will not be delayed after all, according to the House vote today. Will the Senate try again? [Washington Post] (Thanks to Ult3!)
