Tech Tip: Analog TV Going Away February 17, 2009
Next year analog television will be no more. The federal government has mandated that all television transmissions be received over a digital transmission instead of a analog transmission beginning February 17, 2009.
What does this mean for you?
This means if you are currently receiving your t.v. broadcast using an old indoor/outdoor antenna you will need to upgrade to a digital t.v. converter box to view television programming. You have less than a year to purchase a digital converter box should you need it. If you need it don’t hesitate to buy it. There are millions of t.v. viewers who don’t have cable or satellite (come on…you know you know somebody who doesn’t have cable) and there will most likely be a mad dash to buy the converter boxes at the last minute…so do yourself a favor now and learn what you need to do. Here’s some video to help you learn more about this new technology:
Video Recap:
- You don’t need to purchase a digital t.v. converter box if you are a cable or satellite subscriber. If you have a t.v. that doesn’t have cable or satellite on it then you’ll need to purchase the digital converter box. If you don’t buy it…expect a blank screen come February 17, 2009.
- Picture quality will improve on a t.v. that has a digital converter box but there are some problems with smaller screens which may need to be fixed on a program by program basis
- The boxes cost $60
- The federal government has established a program to subsidize the cost of purchasing the converter box:
- Government is offering a $40 coupon which makes your out-of-pocket cost $20 (after the coupon is applied)
- More information and coupons can be found at: www.dtv2009.gov
- Update: Check out the comment below by reader Janard B for more detailed info on the digital converter box and coupon program. Thanks Janard!
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Get Free 411 Listings From 1-800-Goog-411
Are you still being charged by your phone service every time you use their directory assistance program?
Stop being ripped off and start using 1-800-Goog-411.
Last year Google got into the directory assistance game by launching a free service to replace traditional 411 calls.
There aren’t any humans involved - the call is totally automated and you use the service like you normally do by stating your city and state and the name of the business listing you are looking for and Voila! you’ll have the listing you’ve been looking for.
Note: This service is only for business listings at this time but I am sure Google is working on rolling out residential listings for the future.
What won’t they think of next?
See the Goog411 page for more information.
Find Cheap Gas Prices On The Web
With the cost of gas going up and up and up, consumers are hard pressed to find lower gas prices.
Enter GasBuddy.com which promises to help consumers find cheap gas prices in their city. GasBuddy claims to be a network of more than 179+ gas price information websites and says they have the most comprehensive list of gas prices anywhere.
Some of the features on the site include:
Historical Price Charts
Map Gas Prices
Wireless Information
Helpful Tips
Just enter in your zip code or location on the map and you will get a chart full of high and low gas prices based on the information you select.
Other sites that help you find cheaper gas prices may be closer than you think. Have you ever noticed that MapQuest has a feature to find gas prices? It is located in the top right hand corner of the page.
In addition try these sites:
Who knows what you may find. Remember every penny helps!
Make Your Own Ringtones
Ringtones are still as hot as ever. Did you know you could make your own?
I found this article that details several sites that will allow you to make your own ringtone out of your music collection and upload it to your phone.
Hulu: See Televison Shows The Day After They Air
If you are anything like me you lead a busy life. It’s hard work getting the kids off to school, working a full-time job and running a household amongst other things. I rarely get time to watch t.v. and when I do get time I am normally to tired to watch.
Enter Hulu. Launching on March 12th, Hulu aims to revolutionize television viewed on the web. Current hit television shows will be available for viewing the day after the show airs on network television. The current line up includes: House, BattleStar Galatica, King of the Hill, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, and Bones. You’ll never miss a show. Best of all shows are free to watch and there is no set-up fee or equipment needed.
Check it out for yourself: http://www.hulu.com
