Most of us have noticed there has been a ticker tape occasionally running across the bottom of our televisions, reminding us that the days of traditional rabbit ears with tinfoil sitting on our TVs will soon be a thing of the past. Thanks to the LCD and Plasma television revolution, many people have already made this transition. Timing has never been better to buy a digital television.
On Feb. 17, traditional television broadcasting -- over the airwaves -- will no longer be available.
The planned upgrade will provide high-resolution picture quality through a digital format for those stormy afternoons, and better telecommunication and Internet services for Michigan consumers. Digital will also allow more opportunities to combine television, telephone and Internet usage into a bundled pricing format. Television usage relative to bandwidth (fiber optics) is steadily increasing; high-definition (HD) requires a better signal with more bandwidth.
Why is this needed? The main reason this is needed is to streamline our infrastructure. From a network design standpoint, the telephone is the predecessor to the Internet. The upgrade will soon be noticed to improve television picture quality, specifically in rural areas. Mike Miller, chief engineer at TV 7&4, explains, "All of our viewers can rest assured that we will be there for them like we have been for the past 54 years. TV 7&4 is not going away; if anything our footprint that we cover will be larger than ever before."
People will be impressed once they upgrade to digital from analog using their converter boxes. Organizing efficient connectivity capabilities will welcome new business to the community. The main benefit to the consumer will be competitive cost savings. Electronic recycling (or e-Cycling) is the best way to get rid of your old tube and box televisions. I think it is very important to properly recycle unwanted electronics, due to the harmful chemicals they contain. Locally, there are plenty of resources that can help with this effort. Max's Service and Goodwill are excellent resources for recycling your old electronics.
Many families already use interactive e-learning for educational development. Education is an extremely fun and important sector. Long-term focus should be on designing tutorials and games that will positively impact inquisitive young minds. This is an evolving opportunity to do great things.
Personally, some day I hope this means sitting in an ice shanty, eating fish tacos while watching the Red Wings in HD.
Upgrade-wise, there are digital converter boxes and coupons available. For the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, call (888) 388-2009.
Ryan Peters is a technology journalist who can be found online at http://contactryan.wordpress.com
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