2009 HDTV conversion.

[andy]

I think that 2012 ruling only forces cable companiess to support analog TVs, it doesn't force them to keep sending analog channels. This just means that they have to give you a cable box with an NTSC RF output if they turn off analog cable. After 2012, we might start seeing cable boxes with only HDMI.

[radiotvnut]

Originally Posted by andy

I think that 2012 ruling only forces cable companiess to support analog TVs, it doesn't force them to keep sending analog channels. This just means that they have to give you a cable box with an NTSC RF output if they turn off analog cable. After 2012, we might start seeing cable boxes with only HDMI.

Just to be safe, we should all try to secure a few boxes with RF output just in case they are no longer issued in the coming years. I have 2 or 3 stand alone old style cable boxes floating around here. I'm sure these will be totally worthless when cable does go full digital.

[whoaru99]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Just to be safe, we should all try to secure a few boxes with RF output just in case they are no longer issued in the coming years. I have 2 or 3 stand alone old style cable boxes floating around here. I'm sure these will be totally worthless when cable does go full digital.

Yes, quite likely they will (be worthless).

And, further, afaik, there is nothing that says the cable co has to provision a box that comes from outside their system. That's why most of those STBs that sell online are actually worthless in many cases.

Just for kicks, call your cable company some time an tell them you came upon a cable box and you'd like to have it activated. See what they say...

[andy]

Originally Posted by whoaru99

Yes, quite likely they will (be worthless).

And, further, afaik, there is nothing that says the cable co has to provision a box that comes from outside their system. That's why most of those STBs that sell online are actually worthless in many cases.

Just for kicks, call your cable company some time an tell them you came upon a cable box and you'd like to have it activated. See what they say...

For some odd reason digital cable boxes go for good money on ebay. I don't know if people are clueless, or if there's something I don't know about them. As far as I know it's impossible to make them work, even for analog channels, without cable company activation. It would be nice if there was a hack to enable analog and clear QAM digital channels because flea markets are full of old digital cable boxes. These boxes would be ideal for vintage TVs since they have remote volume controls.

Don't be so sure about RF and component video lasting a long time if the MPAA has their way. They want all analog video to disappear as soon as possible (analog sunset). Encrypted digital HD(r)MI only is their goal. Cable boxes and HD/Blu-ray players already have the ability to turn off their analog video outputs if they are told to. I don't think hollywood cares if we all have to buy new TVs if it makes it harder to copy their movies.