Digital delight doesn't come cheaply

[Myrrdin]

How Do I Receive Digital Broadcasts If I Don’t Subscribe To Cable Or Satellite?

If you receive only free over-the-air television programming, the type of TV you own, either a digital TV or an analog TV, is very important. Consumers who receive only free over-the-air television may view digital programming through a TV set with a built-in digital tuner (integrated DTV) or a digital-ready monitor with a separate digital tuner set-top box. (Both of these digital television types are referred to as a DTV). The only additional equipment required to view over-the-air digital programming with a DTV is a regular antenna, either on your roof or a smaller version on your TV such as “rabbit ears.”

If you have an analog television, you will have to purchase a digital-to-analog set-top converter box to attach to your TV set to be able to view over-the-air digital programming.

I am not understanding correctly. (The quote is a standard response to DTV in the rest of the world) Our goverment however wants everyone to have STB (set top box). Does that mean even if you have TV with a digital receiver you must still get the STB. That would suck. Surely if I have a TV with a digital receiver I would not need a STB?

Another faq.

If I Already Have an Antenna, Do I Need a New One to View the Digital Signals?

A special antenna generally is not needed to receive digital signals. You may have antenna issues, however, if your current antenna does not receive UHF signals (channels 14 and above) well, because most DTV stations are on UHF channels. In such a case, you may need a new antenna or to add a UHF section to your existing antenna system. This equipment should be available at most bricks-and-mortar and Internet consumer electronics retailers.

A use for all those old mnet aerials.

 

[nico_g]

Still no news on a new M-Net decoder capable of converting digital signal? Does Multichoice have anything in the pipeline?

 

[pkid]

"However, according to Department of Communication spokesperson Joe Makhafola, viewers won't need a TV licence to obtain a government decoder."


Dude, you don't even need a TV licence to get one of these things.

Where's the rotten fish I smell?

Well you can't get a TV without a license so I think they were hoping that would encourage people to pay their licenses