Back in July TiVo emailed Series2 users who were using antenna input to give them info about the digital television transition coming in February 2009 and what they could to to continue receiving their signal. Basically add one of the TiVo-compatible digital-to-analog converter boxes, or upgrade to a TiVo with digital tuners (Series3, HD, HD XL).

Today I received an email (below) from TiVo designed to reassure me that I wouldn’t be affected by the transition. (Which I already knew, of course.) It is nice to see companies helping to explain the transition to their users. There has been a lot of confusion out there.

The email:
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If you’re still receiving television via an antenna you’re probably aware by now that analog television signals are going away on February 17, 2009. To continue using an antenna after that date you’ll need a digital tuner. And if you want to continue using an old TV you will probably need a digital converter box. If you haven’t picked one up yet, Amazon has a selection of units. You can redeem the $40 government coupons online toward one of the qualifying units

If you’re using an antenna with a Series2 you can use some models of converter box to allow you to continue using antenna after the cut-over.

Zatz Not Funny received a tip from a reader, Jeffery, about emails TiVo is sending out to users who have Series2 (and presumably Series1) TiVo’s configured to use antenna input. Since these users will be left without signals to record come the digital transition in February 2009, there has been some question as to what options they’d have - short of buying a TiVo HD with digital tuners of course. Well, the good news is that with the coming 9.3.1 update, TiVo will be supporting digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Here’s TiVo’s email:

Our records show that you currently receive some or all of your television signals for your TiVo® DVR through good old-fashioned “rabbit ears” or rooftop antenna. That means you WILL be affected by the “Digital Transition” on February 17, 2009—the date television stations are federally mandated to switch from old-style analog to all-digital broadcast signals. To learn how you are affected and what you need to do, follow these simple instructions:

1. Visit tivo.com/digital2009
2. Enter your TSN# ########## in the requested field.
3. We’ll then fill you in on everything you need to know to continue enjoying the world’s best way to watch TV with TiVo!

Jeffery, who is using antenna, submitted his TSN and received this message:

You’re Impacted. Here’s your Solution… What you need to know…
Starting February 17, 2009, any shows* you receive through your antenna will no longer appear on your TV, leaving your TiVo® Series2 DVR nothing to record. To keep the TiVo service compatible with your current setup, you have two options:

• Once you receive the automatic TiVo Service Update (9.3.1), purchase and install a government-subsidized digital converter box. This setup will also require infrared wires (details in FAQs).
• Treat yourself to a gorgeous TiVo HD DVR.

For a limited-time, save $40 on a TiVo HD DVR! Expires September 01, 2008

When I put in the TSN for one of my S2 boxes, which is not using antenna, I got this message:

Relax, and continue enjoying your favorite shows!

Because you currently DO NOT receive analog signals using an antenna, you don’t need to life a finger! Your TiVo®HD DVR has digital tuners built-in so you do not need to buy a government-subsidized digital converter box or a digital-ready TV. Just enjoy your favorite shows and the TiVo experience like you always have.

Thanks for being a member of the TiVo family!

Which is really weird, because:
a) I entered the TSN of a Series2 - a Pioneer DVR-810H to be precise, and…
b) I don’t even own a TiVo HD. I do have a TiVo Series3, but not a TiVo HD.

I think they just goofed on the messaging and it should probably say something like since my S2 is not using antenna I don’t have to worry. The website has more info, including a list of compatible (and incompatible) converter boxes, and a FAQ.

It is nice to see TiVo reaching out to customers to help educate them. And while many expected TiVo to support the converter boxes, it is nice to see an official confirmation. There were some with a bent toward conspiracy who expected TiVo to use the transition as a way to force users onto the TiVo HD, this should lay such talk to rest. Though it is a good excuse to upgrade, especially with the $179.99 factory-renewed deal. I doubt that $40 discount applies to those units, that’d be too good to be true - but if anyone finds out otherwise, please report back!

So Series2 users who depend on antenna have two options - pick up one of the compatible converter boxes, or upgraded to the TiVo HD.

A press released from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) landed in my inbox today. It claims that, according to a new survey commissioned by NAB in January 2008, 79% of consumers are now aware of the looming Digital Television transition. Awareness is even higher amongst households that rely exclusively on OTA sources, with 83% awareness. These results reflect more than double the awareness of a January 2007 survey, which showed only 38% awareness of the DTV transition.

The complete release is below:
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It is January 1, 2008 - and that means the federal government’s coupon program for digital TV converter boxes is up and running. You can apply for your coupons starting today, up to two $40 coupons per household. The boxes are expected to retail for $50 to $70, so you’ll pay $10 to $30 after the coupon. You must purchase one of the eligible boxes.

Remember, you only need these if you use an antenna to receive your TV signals and you do not have a TV or other tuner (like a high-def TiVo) that can already tune OTA digital TV signals. The converter boxes will allow older, analog-only TV’s to tune the digital signals from antenna. If you use only cable or satellite then you don’t need to worry about this at all. See DTV2009.gov for details, and NTIADTV.gov for a bit more technical info.

According to a press release from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today, most than 50% of US homes now own a digital television (DTV). Note that DTV doesn’t necessarily mean HDTV. There are standard definition digital televisions.

“I am proud to announce our nation has hit this digital milestone. With 50 percent of U.S. homes able to experience the reality of digital television, we have crossed a critical threshold,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “2008 will continue to demonstrate the growth and success of DTV, with nearly 32 million units forecasted to ship. Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 percent of total DTV shipments in the U.S. in 2008.”

Since, except for some lingering stock, all televisions sold in the US must have digital tuners at this point, meaning nearly 100% of TVs sold are DTVs, that implies 79% of TVs sold in 2008 would be HDTVs. Which is pretty impressive, and shows the rapid turn in the market toward HDTV. I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more on DTV and HDTV at CES just over a week from now.

The full press release is below:
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