Digital conversion

[Giant Communist Robot]

In two days, here, we'll be switching to digital broadcasts. All the boat-loads of these RF devices I've purchased over my lifetime will become obsolete. This has never happened before. I feel nostalgic for the days when I could buy a used working set at a garage sale for $10.

[barfle]

Two days? I thought the date was Feb. 17.

I have two hand-held portable TVs that will be recycling fodder. The others have been connected to various generations of "cable" for almost 30 years, although I did put a new antenna in my attic in 2002. It hasn't been used as anything but an obstacle course element since we got FIOS.

Except for hand-held (and maybe RV-installed) TVs, converter boxes are available. What other "RF devices" will cease functioning?

Although they didn't have anywhere near the user base at the time, the FM band moved about 50 years ago, rendering its "early adopters" as junk owners, too.

[Trumpetmaster]

It is 02/17/09.

Are they doing something different in Hawaii?
Could not find anything on that...

TM

[jamiebk]

It is 02/17/09.

Are they doing something different in Hawaii?
Could not find anything on that...

TM

I believe that they will be converting from signals carried over shark-skin drums to a more modern system of blowing on conch shells sometime in 2010.

[Trumpetmaster]

It is 02/17/09.

Are they doing something different in Hawaii?
Could not find anything on that...

TM

I believe that they will be converting from signals carried over shark-skin drums to a more modern system of blowing on conch shells sometime in 2010.

watch your back... GCR will be coming for you...

[Giant Communist Robot]

Are they doing something different in Hawaii?

I don't remember the details, but apparently the broadcasters need access to equipment that is in the path of some endangered migratory birds that will be passing through in Feb., so the transition date was moved up.

[Giant Communist Robot]

I believe that they will be converting from signals carried over shark-skin drums to a more modern system of blowing on conch shells sometime in 2010.

Hawaii is a cultural backwater and a technological desert. Some of its charm comes from its disconnect from the mainland.

[Shapley]

Here's an article on it:

Hawaii: Birds Hasten TV Digital Switch

[Trumpetmaster]

Here's an article on it:

Hawaii: Birds Hasten TV Digital Switch

BRAVO Shapley!
Thanks!

[Trumpetmaster]

Here's an article on it:

Hawaii: Birds Hasten TV Digital Switch

BRAVO Shapley!
Thanks!

[barfle]

Here's an article on it:

Hawaii: Birds Hasten TV Digital Switch

Wierd. There's no need to tear down the analog towers during nesting season. And it's only on Maui, where less than a third of Hawaiians live. How many stations are affected?

[Giant Communist Robot]

Our conversion has not gone so smoothly. We are being told that the digital signal is not as robust as the analog, and does not reach around some corners of buildings downtown and into some valleys.