People are trying to save money by reducing or eliminating their Cable or Satellite TV bills.  Many people do not realize that all recent HDTVs have digital tuners built in designed to pull in Free TV signals with an antenna. The number of channels you will receive will vary by your location.  We use a simple indoor antenna to receive many local channels in HD.

AntennaWeb is an industry website designed to help you maximize your television reception.

We have covered the Digital TV Transition in the past, so if you  have an old TV, sign up for digital converter box coupons. These boxes use the same antennas to pickup free programming.

Most modern flat panel TVs have VGA computer inputs, so you can hook up your computer and view online broadcast sites like Hulu and nuke your monthly cable TV or satellite TV bills.

If you want to build your own antenna, check out this video.

The new eco friendly Sony KDL-40VE5 eco 40″ LCD HDTV is now available. All the desirable specs: Full HD 1080P, 120Hz refresh. Price around $1100.

Plus new ones we like to see:

“High-efficiency HCFL backlight that provides optimum brightness and reduces power consumption up to 50 percent versus Energy Star 3.0 requirements. In fact, this set consumes only 90 watts” – A similar model lacking these new features, the Sony 40″ KDL-40V5100, uses 155 watts.

“This HDTV has a Presence Sensor which detects if you’ve stepped away from your TV and automatically turns the picture off. If after 30 minutes, the sensor still doesn’t detect movement in the room, the set turns off completely.”

“The VE5 is equipped with a new Energy Saving Switch which reduces power consumption of the TV to zero when you’re not watching television.”

“Dim the lights to watch a movie and the integrated Light Sensor automatically adjusts to your room’s ambient light and lowers the brightness of the TV’s backlight to conserve energy”

In case you have not heard, the DTV transition is happening on February 17, 2009.  Contrary to what many people believe, you do not need to BUY a new tv.  If you have cable or satellite tv you are fine already.

If you receive programming by antenna or rabbit ears, you simply need a DTV converter box, available for under $50, NOT a new TV.  Many new TVs are being sold to people that do not really need them but believe they do.  Not very ECO.  Seniors are one group that need to be educated.

The $40 converter box discount coupons have run out, but you can be put on the waiting list.