Estimated time drivers save by using real-time GPS traffic updates
Drivers that use GPS systems with real-time traffic info spend 18% less time behind the wheel than those who do not.
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Warning - Stupid Question coming:
I'm actually pretty well versed in the whole transition thing, but here's what I don't get: If I have traditional cable, going from my wall plate to my TV (read no box) how will that still work post-transition? If there's no box and no digital tuner on the TV, isn't what's coming from the wall plate analog? What am I missing?
This is a great question! I was wondering the same thing. My mother has a big ass tube TV, and I was going to buy her a converter box... but she has the same setup you do. Does she need a converter?
The transition doesn't affect cable or satellite customers, only people who get their TV with an antenna.
Satellite has always needed a STB, and all cable customers won't need one for at least 3 years after, and even then most cable co's will provide them.
That is completely up to the cable company as the government mandate is only for OTA broadcasting. Comcast, for example, has said they are moving to digital-only and are currently trying to get my grandmother off of her analog service. However, since there's no government initiative behind that one, I doubt much will change for her once enough customers complain.
Now, I own one of the Insignia boxes (same box as in the Circuit City picture above as it's really an LG box that is being branded by Insignia and Zenith) for testing (my mother-in-law wants to drop cable altogether) and I have yet to connect it to cable service. I doubt, however, that it will do anything at all with cable service.
Well, it depends. Most local cable companies have committed to provide analog cable until 2010, thus obviating your need for a converter box. The DTV transition is only legislated for OTA signals, so many cable companies want to keep their analog customers happy and keep the analog signals flowing. However some local cable companies (I've heard some Comcast localities), may be eager to axe the analog channel to free up bandwith for more HD channels, and HD VOD (again Comcast). So I would say call your cable company, but who knows if the drone answering the phone even knows what the analog cut-off is all about, much less if you'll be affected. So sorry no help. Maybe pick up a box just in case? It's only ten bucks right?
Geoffrey Sperl,
Not exactly, the FCC has mandated that all cable co's continue analog service, or hand out free STBs, for 3 years after the transition date.
The way you put it, makes it sounds like they have a choice in the matter.
Ben: Ahhh... That makes sense. I hadn't heard about that part.