Emergency Kit Question - TV

[Texas SpeedDiva]

Ok, strange things pop into my blonde head at times and this may be a silly question, but here goes.

I know that several of us have battery operated TV's (in some form or fashion) as part of hurricane prep kit. So with everything going digital after the first of the year does this mean that we will need to get a converter or are we just going to be SOL again until the technology catches up?

[ticka1]

That's a good question TSD? I have never thought of that because I have a tv that used rabbit ears. I guess that would be good question at hurricane conferences or personnel.

[ticka1]

Been doing some research on this subject and after Feb 2009 your portable TV will useless.

For your hurricane kits you will have to purchase digital portable LCD TV's. Here is a link I found.

http://www.lcddigital.tv/7-below.html

Prices are a little high - hopefully next year for 2009 Hurricane Season = they will come down.

My TV has a radio included - so I will be keeping it for that purpose.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

Thanks Ticka. that is what I was afraid of. I hope they come down in price, because pushing $200 is a little pricey for me. But like you mine is a combo with a radio/flashlight etc. So I'll be keeping it for that.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

From the July 14, 2008 Houston Chronicle -

Portable analog TVs fading to black / Battery-powered sets aren't among those covered in the conversion to digital in February
....

Almost all the battery-powered televisions stashed in drawers, closets and garages in case of emergency will be rendered useless when broadcasters switch to digital-only signals.
And right now there aren't many options for replacing them.

Congress has mandated that all broadcast TV stations transmit only in digital beginning Feb. 18, making old analog sets obsolete. The federal government is offering each household two $40 coupons to buy converter boxes so those sets can pick up the new signals.

But nobody manufactures a battery-powered converter box. And the few battery-powered digital TV models on the market start at about $200 - a costly option for replacing portable sets that have become relatively inexpensive in recent years.

One less information outlet
The loss of all those analog portable TVs removes an important way to communicate with the public during an emergency, said Keith Harrison, assistant administrator of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management.

"When we get information out to people, we like to get it out by every means possible," said Harrison, who also is president of the California Emergency Services Association. "A lot more people watch TV than listen to AM radio."

But the digital TV transition isn't a major public safety issue because broadcast radio is still available to deliver important messages, he said.

"In preparedness kits, we tell people to have a battery-powered radio," Harrison said. "While some people have battery-powered TV sets - I know I have one - not everyone does."
....

RadioShack's version RadioShack is selling a battery-powered digital TV with a 7-inch screen for $199.99. And LCDDigital, a small manufacturer in Newport Beach, Calif., offers a 7-inch model for $249.99 and an 8.4-inch version for $349.99.

"They've been selling like crazy," LCDDigital sales manager Peter Mamakos said. He said the company had sold "thousands" on its Web site, but he would not give any more detailed figures.

Tips for tuning in digitally when the power goes out
1 BUY A BATTERY-POWERED DIGITAL TV
There are only a few models on the market, and they're not inexpensive. Radio Shack sells a digital TV with a 7-inch screen for $199.99. LCDDigital, of Newport Beach, Calif., offers a 7-inch model for $249.99, and an 8.4-inch version for $349.99.
Advantages: The picture is clearer. You can replace the batteries when they run out.
Disadvantages: They're expensive. You also might need an external antenna to pick up all the stations you get now.
2 TURN YOUR LAPTOP INTO A DIGITAL TV
Small devices with digital tuners, such as the OnAirGT from AutumnWave, plug into the USB port of a laptop and turn the computer into a TV. They sell for between $50 and $180.
Advantages: Assuming you own a laptop, it's less expensive than a portable digital TV.
Disadvantages: A laptop battery may last only a couple of hours and needs electricity to recharge.
3 USE ALTERNATIVE POWER TO RUN A DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER BOX
A power inverter, which allows you to run household electronics off your car battery or a rechargeable power pack, can fire up an electric converter box attached to your battery powered analog TV. Inverters cost from $30 to $150, while power packs run about $70 to $190.
Advantages: You don't need to buy a new TV and can take advantage of the government converter box coupon program.
Disadvantages: This isn't an option with some TVs, which don't have the separate antenna input required for a converter box.
4 GET A TV PACKAGE FOR YOUR CELL PHONE.
Verizon, AT&T and Sprint Nextel all offer packages on certain smart phones that let you watch TV, including on-demand local TV news clips from many cities. Packages start at $10 to $15 a month if you have phone service from the provider.
Advantages: You might not need to buy any new equipment.
Disadvantages: Of the major carriers, only Sprint offers live local TV (and so far only in Raleigh, N.C.), meaning most people must depend on local video clips or national network news and cable stations such as CNN for emergency information.

http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4597209

[Texas SpeedDiva]

I do NOT know whose bright idea this digital conversion stuff was, but here is some updated info on the pros and cons of a portable digital TV - make sure to keep those rabbit ear antenas.

MyFoxHouston - The June 12 television transition from analog to digital signals could also be making an impact on your hurricane preparedness.

FOX 26 "My Tech Guy" Doug Delony joins FOX 26 meteorologist Mike Iscovtiz to explain what you need to know about portable televisions during emergencies. It is more than just a matter of purchasing digital ones: you will need to be concerned about obtaining antennas, batteries, converter boxes and more.

Several of the following companies provide portable digital viewing products:

-- Eviant Inc.: http://www.eviant.com/frontend/default.asp
-- New Image Digital: http://www.newimagedigital.com/default.aspx
-- CTA Digital: http://www.ctadigital.com/index.asp
-- Haier America: http://www.haieramerica.com/en/

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/weather/tropical/hurr_briefings/090612_hurricane_briefing

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

I just ordered this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889153004

It's got the digital tuner and right now, I don't know how long, it's 60.00 off for a total price of 119.00 instead of regular 179.00. This tv has an extra external antennae that supposed to be really great.

I use NewEgg.com frequently and have never had a problem with their products and shipments. I went to the New Image site and they are out of stock for the tvs. So, here's an option!

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

My tv came yesterday. Now I have tv capabilities to make it through a storm :popcorn:

[ticka1]

Good deal BWW. I'm going to get one in the next couple of weeks - I'll probably get it from the site you posted.

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

Well, they have sold out as of today. The tv has been deactivated for now, but they are trying to get more. I really like the extra external antennae that you can put in a location that's gives better reception.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

I knew I should have ordered mine that day. When I went back a couple days later, they were sold out. Just will have to checking back

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

Keep checking. I'm guessing if they can't get that one, they will probably get something similar.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

For any interested - CVS has a 7 inch portable digital TV on sale this week ($99) It comes with the antenna, remote, rechargeable internal battery, ac and car charger adapters.

I broke down and got one - had $ off coupon going out and a couple of CVS cards. Got it charged and scanned and was surprised by the quality of the picture I was getting.

[ticka1]

Thanks TSD - if I can find time - I'll head to the numerous CVS's in Baytown and check it out.

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

The digital tv is in stock!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889153004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889153004)