Well it looks like February analog shutdown will not take place. Nevertheless, the local stations have been doing everything possible to try to assist those who may not be ready for change in over-the-air delivery of TV if it happens next month or this summer. A few days ago I participated with representatives from all the local stations in a test. As part of that test, individuals with questions could call into a phone bank that we were hosting at the CET studios. While there were many different questions, several seemed to be more prevalent than others.
Many people are still confused about waiting until February 18th to turn on their converters. THERE IS NO REASON TO WAIT. Not only can you get all your favorite programming that is available on the local stations’ analog channels, there are several digital–only channels now available. You will find 24 hour weather information on some commercial stations, a how-to channel from CET and even a special channel featuring coverage of the Ohio legislature. They are all available now free. All you need is a digital TV or a DTV set top converter for your old TV set.
Many people with new digital high definition (HD) sets have not set them up properly to actually get HD. These new sets, just like DTV converters, need to be set up when you first turn them on. Read the instructions. The local DTV channels must be scanned in. If you just plug in the set and don’t set it up properly, you may only get the analog channels even though you have a new digital set. Since in most cases on a new digital set the analog picture looks so much better than was possible on the old analog-only set, people are so delighted that that don’t realize that they are not seeing and enjoying real digital HD and don’t bother to really learn about controlling the new set. A good hint…if you have a new DTV set and you see any snow, shadows or ghosts on the screen, you are NOT watching a digital channel. You need an antenna (indoor or outdoor) that can receive both UHF and VHF channels. This does not need to be an expensive one. My tests show that a $15 set top “rabbit ears” model is fine for the majority of viewers in our area. Also don’t immediately go for an “amplified” or “powered” antenna. With digital technology sometimes too much signal is as bad as not enough.
If you have questions about DTV or any other consumer electronics technology, just send me an email.
Showing posts with label DTV Coupons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DTV Coupons. Show all posts
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
More Information About DTV Converters & Coupons
In the last few weeks I have received several emails and phone calls regarding the DTV Converters and the Federal Government’s DTV Converter Coupon Program. There seems to continue to be lots of misinformation and confusion. I will try shed some light on some of the most often asked questions.
Many have written complaining that they have yet to receive the coupons even though they requested them right after the first of the year. While the program officially began in January 2008, the government stated that they would not begin to send the coupons out until the converters were available in stores. Since the coupons have a 90 day expiration period and you may not request new ones for expired coupons, they wanted to make sure that once you had the coupons you could use them. The coupons are being mailed out in order of when the requests were received. I have a few friends who applied in early January and they received their coupons last week. If you have a computer, you can check on the status of your coupon by going to www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx
Some people have related that their applications for coupons have been rejected. In most cases it is because they did not provide a street address. You can not give a PO box number on your application since the coupons are being allocated based on two coupons per each street address. If you live in an apartment and provide an apartment number you will be fine. Some people who are in nursing homes or other assisted living situations are not eligible for coupons. You can apply for coupons even if you do not need them and give them to someone who does need one but is not eligible under the street address rubric.
Finding the converters should not be too much of a problem as they are stocked by most big box retailers. I did have to chuckle the other day when I found the stock of converters at Best Buy® relegated to the bottom shelf of a dimly lit far corner of the store. I guess they could have covered them up with a tarp. “Sure sir, we have converters. How about I show you a $2000 DTV set first?”
There are a few things that you might want to consider if you are waiting to get the converters. It is VERY unlikely that the prices will fall and the features will most likely not improve since most of the converters are essentially the same and the price is already so low that the retailer is not making the mark up they regularly get on other electronics. Since the local stations are already providing these digital channels, you can begin using the converters right away thus getting some of the new channels and programs. Also, picture quality will improve for many who have interference-prone reception. For the most part, the picture quality will be even across all stations and your old analog set will never look better.
As we get closer to the February 2009 analog cut off date I am sure there will continue to be questions and concerns. I will try to address them here so that your transition is a smooth one. Come Wednesday morning, February 18, 2009 we want the only snow to be on the ground, not on your TV screen.
Many have written complaining that they have yet to receive the coupons even though they requested them right after the first of the year. While the program officially began in January 2008, the government stated that they would not begin to send the coupons out until the converters were available in stores. Since the coupons have a 90 day expiration period and you may not request new ones for expired coupons, they wanted to make sure that once you had the coupons you could use them. The coupons are being mailed out in order of when the requests were received. I have a few friends who applied in early January and they received their coupons last week. If you have a computer, you can check on the status of your coupon by going to www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx
Some people have related that their applications for coupons have been rejected. In most cases it is because they did not provide a street address. You can not give a PO box number on your application since the coupons are being allocated based on two coupons per each street address. If you live in an apartment and provide an apartment number you will be fine. Some people who are in nursing homes or other assisted living situations are not eligible for coupons. You can apply for coupons even if you do not need them and give them to someone who does need one but is not eligible under the street address rubric.
Finding the converters should not be too much of a problem as they are stocked by most big box retailers. I did have to chuckle the other day when I found the stock of converters at Best Buy® relegated to the bottom shelf of a dimly lit far corner of the store. I guess they could have covered them up with a tarp. “Sure sir, we have converters. How about I show you a $2000 DTV set first?”
There are a few things that you might want to consider if you are waiting to get the converters. It is VERY unlikely that the prices will fall and the features will most likely not improve since most of the converters are essentially the same and the price is already so low that the retailer is not making the mark up they regularly get on other electronics. Since the local stations are already providing these digital channels, you can begin using the converters right away thus getting some of the new channels and programs. Also, picture quality will improve for many who have interference-prone reception. For the most part, the picture quality will be even across all stations and your old analog set will never look better.
As we get closer to the February 2009 analog cut off date I am sure there will continue to be questions and concerns. I will try to address them here so that your transition is a smooth one. Come Wednesday morning, February 18, 2009 we want the only snow to be on the ground, not on your TV screen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Which DTV Converter Is Right For Me?
Well, they are here. The local Radio Shack store has a supply. The big box electronics stores like Best Buy, h h gregg and Circuit City have them in stock. Wal-Mart’s Blue Lights are a “spinnin’.” The Digital TV Converters have hit the store shelves. The good news is that they are, for the most part, moderately priced. With the $40 coupon available from Uncle Sam, you will have to spend only $20 and tax to take one home. The question is which one to take home.
For those who may need a refresher: The set top Digital Converter is a device that attaches to your analog TV and allows you to receive the new digital signals without buying a new digital TV. It is ONLY needed by those who receive their TV programs over-the-air with an antenna. If you are in that group, you will need to get one no later then midnight, February 17, 2009. If you have cable (basic or digital) or use a satellite service, or you have a new digital TV set, you can stop reading now, YOU DON’T NEED ONE!
For most of us the basic converter model will do just fine. It receives all the over-the-air digital signals and displays them on your TV. It is connected to your old TV in one of two ways. The simplest is through the TV antenna connection. Just like many video games, you connect the DTV Converter to the TV antenna plug, connect the TV antenna to the DTV Converter and tune the TV to either Channel 3 or 4. Voila, the connection is finished. You have to keep the TV set on channel 3 or 4 and use the new remote that comes with the converter to change channels and set volume. Even your oldest TV will now be controlled with this snazzy new remote and be able to display all the digital channels being broadcast by your local stations.
The second way to connect the converter to your TV is to use the direct Audio and Video (A/V) inputs. Many newer analog TVs have these inputs either on the front or the rear of the TV. They are usually color coded. Yellow for video and Red and White for audio. Most of the converters come with both an antenna cable and this special A/V cable. The only difference when using these audio/video connections is that you will need to set your TV to the proper input. It is usually called “Video or“Video1” or “Line or Line1” Each TV model is different, but a little trial and error with the TV’s remote should do it.
I mentioned above that there are other “flavors” of these converters. If you are a viewer of the low-power TV stations in Cincinnati, (e.g. Channel 25 and 38) you will need to make another choice. These TV stations will not convert to digital in February 2009, so if you want to continue to watch them you will either need to purchase a special DTV set top box or use the audio video option as described above and get a second antenna.
Let me explain. Some special converter set top boxes pass through the old signals when they are tuned off. So if you want to watch the old analog programs from the low power stations, you just switch the box off and use your TV tuner as you do now. When you want to watch the new digital channels, you turn the box back on. If you connected your new DTV converter using the audio/video cables, you can use the standard DTV converter. You will need to have a second antenna connected to your TV set for the analog channels. There is actually a third way using an A/B switch. For a diagram of that method, send me an email.
All of this can be a bit confusing. For most of us the simple converter is just fine. I will put a list of the various DTV converters on my blog if you want to know which one you will need to receive the low power analog stations.
I have tried out several converters and they all deliver a good picture and are very easy to set up. Most are “Plug & Play” meaning that once connected they search out the local channels, set up the on-screen program guide and give you options for captions. You must have a converter for each analog TV set. You don’t have to wait until February 2009. The digital channels are being broadcast locally right now so it is not too early to convert. Gee, I sound like a preacher!
For those who may need a refresher: The set top Digital Converter is a device that attaches to your analog TV and allows you to receive the new digital signals without buying a new digital TV. It is ONLY needed by those who receive their TV programs over-the-air with an antenna. If you are in that group, you will need to get one no later then midnight, February 17, 2009. If you have cable (basic or digital) or use a satellite service, or you have a new digital TV set, you can stop reading now, YOU DON’T NEED ONE!
For most of us the basic converter model will do just fine. It receives all the over-the-air digital signals and displays them on your TV. It is connected to your old TV in one of two ways. The simplest is through the TV antenna connection. Just like many video games, you connect the DTV Converter to the TV antenna plug, connect the TV antenna to the DTV Converter and tune the TV to either Channel 3 or 4. Voila, the connection is finished. You have to keep the TV set on channel 3 or 4 and use the new remote that comes with the converter to change channels and set volume. Even your oldest TV will now be controlled with this snazzy new remote and be able to display all the digital channels being broadcast by your local stations.
The second way to connect the converter to your TV is to use the direct Audio and Video (A/V) inputs. Many newer analog TVs have these inputs either on the front or the rear of the TV. They are usually color coded. Yellow for video and Red and White for audio. Most of the converters come with both an antenna cable and this special A/V cable. The only difference when using these audio/video connections is that you will need to set your TV to the proper input. It is usually called “Video or“Video1” or “Line or Line1” Each TV model is different, but a little trial and error with the TV’s remote should do it.
I mentioned above that there are other “flavors” of these converters. If you are a viewer of the low-power TV stations in Cincinnati, (e.g. Channel 25 and 38) you will need to make another choice. These TV stations will not convert to digital in February 2009, so if you want to continue to watch them you will either need to purchase a special DTV set top box or use the audio video option as described above and get a second antenna.
Let me explain. Some special converter set top boxes pass through the old signals when they are tuned off. So if you want to watch the old analog programs from the low power stations, you just switch the box off and use your TV tuner as you do now. When you want to watch the new digital channels, you turn the box back on. If you connected your new DTV converter using the audio/video cables, you can use the standard DTV converter. You will need to have a second antenna connected to your TV set for the analog channels. There is actually a third way using an A/B switch. For a diagram of that method, send me an email.
All of this can be a bit confusing. For most of us the simple converter is just fine. I will put a list of the various DTV converters on my blog if you want to know which one you will need to receive the low power analog stations.
I have tried out several converters and they all deliver a good picture and are very easy to set up. Most are “Plug & Play” meaning that once connected they search out the local channels, set up the on-screen program guide and give you options for captions. You must have a converter for each analog TV set. You don’t have to wait until February 2009. The digital channels are being broadcast locally right now so it is not too early to convert. Gee, I sound like a preacher!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Do I Need A DTV Converter?
I have written extensively about the February 2009 Analog Broadcast cut off and the Set Top DTV Converters that are now available to allow you to continue to use your analog TV sets – yes, even the old black and white model in the basement - after the analog channels go away. In light of the misinformation that is being distributed on radio and TV and in newspapers, I thought that I would take this opportunity to go over the basics again.
First a definition. A Set Top DTV Converter is a device that connects to your analog TV and allows you to watch programs being BROADCAST locally over-the-air in the new Digital format. These devices are NOT used with cable or satellite services. Those services have specialized set top boxes.
I received a series of questions from John, a regular reader of my column. I think they are representative of some of the most often asked.
John writes,
“I have analog cable; will I need some sort of converter box for my new digital HD LCD TV?”
You have two choices if you want to get the digital channels. You can upgrade your cable service to digital with a HD Cable box and get all the digital and HD channels including the cable-only channels, e.g. ESPN, HBO, etc., or you can attach an antenna to your new set and receive only the local digital channels broadcast over-the-air. You do not need a Set Top DTV Converter for the new digital TV set. You will no longer get the analog channels from cable on this new set without upgrading to digital cable.
“What about the old TV’s? Will they still work with basic analog cable?”
Yes, you will get all the channels that you get now without any converter. If you want to watch all the new over-the-air digital channels, you will need a converter connected to an antenna for each TV. If you want to get the cable digital channels you need to upgrade your cable service and connect the old sets to cable using a digital cable boxes. There are two types of Time Warner digital cable boxes. One connects to your regular analog set and provides all the non-HD digital channels. The other is an HD box and it provides all those channels plus the HD channels and can be used only with new HD sets. Currently Time Warner charges the same for the standard digital box and the HD box.
“I have several VCRs that are not digital; will I still be able to record and time shift?”
As long as they are connected to either the cable or the converter, they will work as they do now.
The bottom line, everything you now have by being connected to basic cable will continue to work after February 2009. If you want HD on your new set you must either subscribe to digital cable with an HD Cable box or install an antenna on the HD set to receive local the local Digital channels (both HD and Standard Definition.)
“Do you have some suggestions for finding good unbiased reviews of DTV sets?
Consumer Report® magazine is always a good place to look.
The converters are now available in stores and most are priced at $59.99. The local Radio Shack® store now has then in stock. With the $40.00 coupon applied to the purchase price you are looking at $20 bucks each for the devices. If you have not already done so, you can request coupons from Uncle Sam on line at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-388-2009.
Next week I’ll discuss the various types and models of converters that are available and how to connect them.
First a definition. A Set Top DTV Converter is a device that connects to your analog TV and allows you to watch programs being BROADCAST locally over-the-air in the new Digital format. These devices are NOT used with cable or satellite services. Those services have specialized set top boxes.
I received a series of questions from John, a regular reader of my column. I think they are representative of some of the most often asked.
John writes,
“I have analog cable; will I need some sort of converter box for my new digital HD LCD TV?”
You have two choices if you want to get the digital channels. You can upgrade your cable service to digital with a HD Cable box and get all the digital and HD channels including the cable-only channels, e.g. ESPN, HBO, etc., or you can attach an antenna to your new set and receive only the local digital channels broadcast over-the-air. You do not need a Set Top DTV Converter for the new digital TV set. You will no longer get the analog channels from cable on this new set without upgrading to digital cable.
“What about the old TV’s? Will they still work with basic analog cable?”
Yes, you will get all the channels that you get now without any converter. If you want to watch all the new over-the-air digital channels, you will need a converter connected to an antenna for each TV. If you want to get the cable digital channels you need to upgrade your cable service and connect the old sets to cable using a digital cable boxes. There are two types of Time Warner digital cable boxes. One connects to your regular analog set and provides all the non-HD digital channels. The other is an HD box and it provides all those channels plus the HD channels and can be used only with new HD sets. Currently Time Warner charges the same for the standard digital box and the HD box.
“I have several VCRs that are not digital; will I still be able to record and time shift?”
As long as they are connected to either the cable or the converter, they will work as they do now.
The bottom line, everything you now have by being connected to basic cable will continue to work after February 2009. If you want HD on your new set you must either subscribe to digital cable with an HD Cable box or install an antenna on the HD set to receive local the local Digital channels (both HD and Standard Definition.)
“Do you have some suggestions for finding good unbiased reviews of DTV sets?
Consumer Report® magazine is always a good place to look.
The converters are now available in stores and most are priced at $59.99. The local Radio Shack® store now has then in stock. With the $40.00 coupon applied to the purchase price you are looking at $20 bucks each for the devices. If you have not already done so, you can request coupons from Uncle Sam on line at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-388-2009.
Next week I’ll discuss the various types and models of converters that are available and how to connect them.
Monday, January 28, 2008
I Don't Care What Time It is In Katmandu!
A few weeks back there was an interesting segment broadcast on 60 Minutes discussing the increased complexity of technology. David Pogue, a respected and articulate technology columnist for the New York Times was featured in the segment. The discussion centered around the popularity of new services launched to help Joe and Mary Consumer deal with new home computers, appliances and entertainment systems. David was challenging the interviewer to find the on and off button, volume control and channel change button on a new remote control. As you might guess, the intelligent educated reporter could not easily find any of these basic functions. All I could think of is “been there, bought the tee shirt.”
The 60 Minutes segment related that service companies like “Geek Squad®” and “Firedog” have developed quickly to fill a need. Technicians from these companies come to your house and can fix your PC or teach you how to use your remote control. We shouldn’t need them for the latter. For sure some companies do a better job of friendly intuitive designs. Apple, for example, seems to be able to have powerful devices with easy to use interfaces. They remain one of the few.
While I am not an engineer, I have more than a passing knowledge of new technology and I have to admit some of the controls and instructions for these devices leave me clueless. Why is it that we can design and build a vast array of truly marvelous devices and can’t make them easy to use?
I think there are two main reasons. First of all designers seem to want to make every electronic device a sort of Swiss Army Knife. It is not enough for the refrigerator to keep food cold, someone wants to put a TV on the door. A simple wrist watch not only tells you the current time but must be able to tell you what time it is in Katmandu and what time sunrise happens in Timbuktu. Don’t even get me started on cell phones. The classic has to be the much maligned BMW and Lexis controls that required you to use a menu system on a flat panel display to control the AC and other basic functions. Why do they do this? Because they can. The use of microprocessors makes the incremental cost to add these functions minimal so engineers keep pushing the envelope.
The second reason has to do with the fast pace of change. Products are coming off the production line and into the store in record time. With the attitude first adopted by software developers, i.e. “we’ll fix it in version two,” there just is not time for “real” people to use the product and find the design flaws before it is shipped. In other words, products never get to the mature level.
On another topic, I got the following email from a reader in West Harrison:
I read your article printed in the January 16, 2008, Harrison Press regarding DTV converter coupons. Apparently the information I obtained when I called DTV-2009 was different from the information you obtained. I was told the coupons would not be mailed until the converters were available in the stores, and the expiration date would be 90 days from when they were mailed.
I was also told only 2 coupons would be mailed to each household, so if you let your coupons expire before using, you cannot have any additional ones mailed to the same address. Therefore, reapplying for coupons will not be an option, unless you have them mailed to someone else’s address.
I look forward to your advice on which converter to buy and where to find the best deals.
Nancy
Nancy asks some good questions. I also have read several versions of how the program is rolling out. I have read several different interpretations from NTIA, the government office in charge of the program. The most recent NTIA release stated that coupons would begin to be sent out Feb 17, 2007. How they will know if the tuners are in our local stores is beyond me. A recent discussion with one of the sales people at Best Buy™ gave me even more pause, as he not only did not know when converters would be available at Best Buy™, but I had to explain to him what a converter was, what it was used for, and that there would be coupons. Not a good sign.
The government has some 22 million coupons to send out in the first round. Another 11 million will be available after the first round is used up. In the second round though, you will only be eligible for coupons if you DO NOT have cable or satellite.
All this being said, I still think that since we have more than a year before we need converters, waiting to send for the coupons until the devices are available in local outlets is the better way to go. Also, I am not sure that I want a first generation model anyway.
The 60 Minutes segment related that service companies like “Geek Squad®” and “Firedog” have developed quickly to fill a need. Technicians from these companies come to your house and can fix your PC or teach you how to use your remote control. We shouldn’t need them for the latter. For sure some companies do a better job of friendly intuitive designs. Apple, for example, seems to be able to have powerful devices with easy to use interfaces. They remain one of the few.
While I am not an engineer, I have more than a passing knowledge of new technology and I have to admit some of the controls and instructions for these devices leave me clueless. Why is it that we can design and build a vast array of truly marvelous devices and can’t make them easy to use?
I think there are two main reasons. First of all designers seem to want to make every electronic device a sort of Swiss Army Knife. It is not enough for the refrigerator to keep food cold, someone wants to put a TV on the door. A simple wrist watch not only tells you the current time but must be able to tell you what time it is in Katmandu and what time sunrise happens in Timbuktu. Don’t even get me started on cell phones. The classic has to be the much maligned BMW and Lexis controls that required you to use a menu system on a flat panel display to control the AC and other basic functions. Why do they do this? Because they can. The use of microprocessors makes the incremental cost to add these functions minimal so engineers keep pushing the envelope.
The second reason has to do with the fast pace of change. Products are coming off the production line and into the store in record time. With the attitude first adopted by software developers, i.e. “we’ll fix it in version two,” there just is not time for “real” people to use the product and find the design flaws before it is shipped. In other words, products never get to the mature level.
On another topic, I got the following email from a reader in West Harrison:
I read your article printed in the January 16, 2008, Harrison Press regarding DTV converter coupons. Apparently the information I obtained when I called DTV-2009 was different from the information you obtained. I was told the coupons would not be mailed until the converters were available in the stores, and the expiration date would be 90 days from when they were mailed.
I was also told only 2 coupons would be mailed to each household, so if you let your coupons expire before using, you cannot have any additional ones mailed to the same address. Therefore, reapplying for coupons will not be an option, unless you have them mailed to someone else’s address.
I look forward to your advice on which converter to buy and where to find the best deals.
Nancy
Nancy asks some good questions. I also have read several versions of how the program is rolling out. I have read several different interpretations from NTIA, the government office in charge of the program. The most recent NTIA release stated that coupons would begin to be sent out Feb 17, 2007. How they will know if the tuners are in our local stores is beyond me. A recent discussion with one of the sales people at Best Buy™ gave me even more pause, as he not only did not know when converters would be available at Best Buy™, but I had to explain to him what a converter was, what it was used for, and that there would be coupons. Not a good sign.
The government has some 22 million coupons to send out in the first round. Another 11 million will be available after the first round is used up. In the second round though, you will only be eligible for coupons if you DO NOT have cable or satellite.
All this being said, I still think that since we have more than a year before we need converters, waiting to send for the coupons until the devices are available in local outlets is the better way to go. Also, I am not sure that I want a first generation model anyway.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Some things to watch for in 2008
It is always dangerous to make predictions. It is even more dangerous and potentially embarrassing to make those predictions in writing. Nevertheless, I have a few things that might help you as you make decisions about purchasing electronic products and services in the new year.
In February you can look for some great deals on HD televisions. Leading up to the Super Bowl®, you will be inundated with ads from all the leading retailers touting sales of new TVs so you can wow your neighbors at your Super Bowl Party. Once that day passes, sales will slow down and you will be able to get some great deals.
February 2009 will then be just 12 months away. Remember February 17, 2009 is the day when we turn off all the analog channels and if you are among the 20% of US households that use over-the-air receivers to watch TV, you will need to do something. If you don’t decide to subscribe to cable or satellite you will need to either purchase a new digital TV or get a set top adapter. The adapters will begin to be found in stores in early 2008. Also, the federal government will begin to issue coupons. Each household is eligible to get 2 coupons each worth $40 toward the purchase of a DTV adapter. Right now they are priced at about $70. For more information you can call 888 DTV-2009 (800-388-2009) or go to the DTV information website http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/PreparingForTheDTVTransition.pdf
The cell phone providers will begin to expand capabilities beyond one-to-one communication. Many will find it surprising that the United States and Canada are among the most backward countries in the world with our cell phone networks and hand set capabilities. In many countries today you can now do your banking via cell phone, pay for gas, buy a subway fare and watch sporting events. While some of these features are now beginning to be made available here, 2009 should see some real advances.
Look for more devices to be controlled by voice commands. This technology has been available on higher end products but now is becoming common place. You may have seen the commercials on TV for some of the new Ford Motor Company cars with Synch Technology™. This system being co-developed by Microsoft®, allows you to operate your iPod® and phone using spoken commands. While many of us have had this calling feature on our cell phones, you will now see this technology being integrated into a host of other devices. Great news, we can all stop clapping to turn on our living room lamps!
You will see an increase in attempts to get information about you. The discount programs using ID cards with bar codes, the sales clerk request for your email address, the manufacture’s warranty cards that ask for much more information than the model number of the toaster you just bought, all are ways of gathering information about you and your consumer habits.
The green energy efficiency movement will get into full swing with added emphasis on doing little things in your home that will add up to substantial community savings. The dropping prices and greater variety of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps are good examples. Look for more LED lamps in automobiles too.
I will revisit this list one year from now and see how I did.
In February you can look for some great deals on HD televisions. Leading up to the Super Bowl®, you will be inundated with ads from all the leading retailers touting sales of new TVs so you can wow your neighbors at your Super Bowl Party. Once that day passes, sales will slow down and you will be able to get some great deals.
February 2009 will then be just 12 months away. Remember February 17, 2009 is the day when we turn off all the analog channels and if you are among the 20% of US households that use over-the-air receivers to watch TV, you will need to do something. If you don’t decide to subscribe to cable or satellite you will need to either purchase a new digital TV or get a set top adapter. The adapters will begin to be found in stores in early 2008. Also, the federal government will begin to issue coupons. Each household is eligible to get 2 coupons each worth $40 toward the purchase of a DTV adapter. Right now they are priced at about $70. For more information you can call 888 DTV-2009 (800-388-2009) or go to the DTV information website http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/PreparingForTheDTVTransition.pdf
The cell phone providers will begin to expand capabilities beyond one-to-one communication. Many will find it surprising that the United States and Canada are among the most backward countries in the world with our cell phone networks and hand set capabilities. In many countries today you can now do your banking via cell phone, pay for gas, buy a subway fare and watch sporting events. While some of these features are now beginning to be made available here, 2009 should see some real advances.
Look for more devices to be controlled by voice commands. This technology has been available on higher end products but now is becoming common place. You may have seen the commercials on TV for some of the new Ford Motor Company cars with Synch Technology™. This system being co-developed by Microsoft®, allows you to operate your iPod® and phone using spoken commands. While many of us have had this calling feature on our cell phones, you will now see this technology being integrated into a host of other devices. Great news, we can all stop clapping to turn on our living room lamps!
You will see an increase in attempts to get information about you. The discount programs using ID cards with bar codes, the sales clerk request for your email address, the manufacture’s warranty cards that ask for much more information than the model number of the toaster you just bought, all are ways of gathering information about you and your consumer habits.
The green energy efficiency movement will get into full swing with added emphasis on doing little things in your home that will add up to substantial community savings. The dropping prices and greater variety of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps are good examples. Look for more LED lamps in automobiles too.
I will revisit this list one year from now and see how I did.
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