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Digital TV Transition: Find Tips For Consumers
If you are currently a TV viewer using an antenna to receive free over-the-air programming on an analog TV set, you will need to make changes before Feb. 18, 2009.
The digital TV transition is a great time to evaluate your local cable providers and it is a good time to choose the best digital television services. The proper TV service can give you the latest quality and features, as well as quality programming at a great value.
Here are several helpful tips from leading sources to use when evaluating your TV options and providers.
• Decide which features are right for you. Many subscription TV services that you can use will offer the ability to watch videos on demand, record programs on a DVR or receiver, view what's showing on TV with an electronic program guide, or allow viewers to experience High Definition (HD) programming on an HDTV. Be sure to compare the flexibility and strength of these features and also understand what services are included at no additional charge.
• Explore increased channel options. Subscription digital TV services will deliver to viewers a larger variety of channels compared to over-the-air programming. Review and evaluate what channels are of interest to you and your family, and be sure to see if they're offered by the digital TV providers. Compare how many, and what, channels are included in each package offered, and determine and compare the costs of additional programming tiers with sports and movies.
• Evaluate and compare what the cost will be for the service. Review everything that's included in the package, in addition to the channels that you're getting. Some cable providers charge extra monthly fees for necessary equipment, such as a digital converter box or receiver, or they may charge extra for installation. Consider these additional rental fees when comparing similar TV packages among the service providers to make sure that you're getting the most programming functionality and options for the price you pay per month. Evaluate the price as well as the value that you'll receive.
• Understand any special offers that you can get and commitment periods. Many cable providers will offer "introductory pricing" for new customers, but that price may increase after a certain period. When considering your costs, be sure to calculate what your cable bill will be once these initial deals are over, in addition to your initial savings. Also, numerous consumers will switch to new providers without having a chance to try them out first. Look for cable providers that will not lock you into long-term agreements or contracts, or that will not charge you if you want to end the term early.
• Decide on reliable customer service and technical support. You want your subscription TV service to be easy-to-use and reliable, but you also want to be sure that know that your cable provider is available to answer your questions and quickly respond to your issues. Find out what customer service and technical support your provider offers.
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