If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a High Definition TV?

[lauraa1982@gmail.com]

I'm currently looking at buying a new TV. My problem is that the High Definition TV's just seem too expensive. Do I have to get a High Definition TV in order to watch TV still? If not, will I still need to get a converter box?

[Shannon]

Hi Laurraa1982 -

You don't have to get an HDTV in order to still watch television. There is actually a difference between digital TVs and high-definition TVs. Basically, all HDTVs are digital, but all digital TVs are not HD! In other words, so long as you have a digital television, you will still be able to get a signal when the switchover takes place. If you have an anolog television, you will need a coverter or you will need satellite service to still receive broadcasts. If your television is digital, however, you won't need a converter. Pretty much any television you will find at the store will now be digital (of course, you should still check - just to be sure!). Hope that helps!

[lauraa1982@gmail.com]

Hi Laurraa1982 -

You don't have to get an HDTV in order to still watch television. There is actually a difference between digital TVs and high-definition TVs. Basically, all HDTVs are digital, but all digital TVs are not HD! In other words, so long as you have a digital television, you will still be able to get a signal when the switchover takes place. If you have an anolog television, you will need a coverter or you will need satellite service to still receive broadcasts. If your television is digital, however, you won't need a converter. Pretty much any television you will find at the store will now be digital (of course, you should still check - just to be sure!). Hope that helps!

Thank you. I have one more question though.

I haven't started looking for a new TV yet, but how will I be able to tell if the TV is digital or analog? Will the TV say anything special on it, or will it simply say that it is a digital TV?

[Shannon]

New televisions should all be digital. Nonetheless, most of them will specify that they are digital. If you are in doubt, ask a salesmen just to make certain.

[lauraa1982@gmail.com]

Thanks Shannon! You've been very helpful to me, and I'm not nearly as worried about getting a new TV now.

My husband has been hounding me about getting a HDTV for a while now and I finally just caved. Does anybody have any advice for what are good quality, yet cheap HDTV's? I'm going to give him a spending limit for a 42" TV, but I want to set it as low as I can so he doesn't banckrupt us!

[Shannon]

No problem! I personally like the Sony Bravia series, but Samsung is very well respected and costs less. You might want to look into getting one of those televisions.