"I have Comcast, no cable box, into VCRs, then to TVs. You say that my television should continue to work as usual...is that correct? Or will Comcast require a cable box for each TV?" -Eric (via email).
Excellent question, Eric. The simple answer to your question: No, your television set will not be affected by the DTV switchover. But since we're on the topic, yes, you will probably need a cable box pretty soon to continue receiving some of your favorite channels.
Here's what it boils down to: You currently have two options when it comes to cable. You can choose analog cable, which will give you anywhere from 60 to 80 channels (depending on where you live) using your television's built-in tuner, or you can choose digital cable which will give you hundreds of channels with the addition of a digital cable box.
Truth be told, customers who choose digital cable are helping companies like Comcast, Time Warner and Adelphia deliver content to households since digital cable drastically cuts down on the bandwidth (or "space") each channel needs in order to be carried through a cable line. Basically, digital cable is a service that allows for more channel selection. Cable companies are starting to see this as a huge necessity due to the rapidly-growing cable market, where new channels are popping up every day and international channels are starting to come into demand.
What's this mean for you? Well, if you invest in Comcast cable, you will likely receive a notice sometime within the next three years that if you want to continue receiving certain cable stations, you'll need to invest in a digital cable box.
"CNN, AMC, ESPN...that's the group of networks that will be migrating to the all-digital platform in the future," says Andrew Johnson, Regional Vice Presidento of Communications for Comcast in Northern California. In a couple of years, if you want to continue watching stations like WGN America, you'll need to call your cable company and upgrade to a digital cable package.
Cable's decision to switch from analog to digital services is entirely service- and business-oriented and is NOT required by the FCC. In fact, if you simply want to continue to receive local stations, such as KTLA in Los Angeles or KCPQ in Seattle, you will still be able to use your wall-to-TV analog connection without the need of a digital cable box or a digital cable package. Johnson explains, "(Comcast has) made a commitment to both the FCC and our local broadcasters...that we will continue to carry the limited-basic signals exactly the way we do now for three years."
Our best piece of advice? Contact your local cable company and ask them if they plan on switching your service from analog to digital. Some cable companies will charge you for additional receivers in additional rooms, which could be a nuisance for those who enjoy the freedom of having all television sets in a household hooked up direct to the wall without additional charges.
As for those viewers with satellite service, you most definitely will NOT be affected by the digital transition, as satellite viewers have received a digital signal for years. Regardless of whether you have cable or satellite, purchasing a DTV converter box will not allow you to receive digital channels via cable or satellite.