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| By Feb. l8, televisions relying on analog signals must either be replaced or converted to digital. |
| Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch |
By Feb. l8, televisions relying on analog signals must either be replaced or converted to digital, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Those postponing the DTV conversion got a reminder two weeks ago, when KCRA's 6:30 p.m. report turned off the analog signal for 30 seconds on two days. That test was followed by a full-screen graphic telling analog viewers that their TV is not yet ready for transition to digital.
Those already on digital experienced no break in service, though some locals felt the need to make certain that their DISH network satellite hook-up was advanced enough to make even their old analog televisions digitally capable.
"We had five TVs on," said Kimbo Adams. "When test time came, I had to run around to make sure they all worked. They all passed the test." Adams' father had expressed doubts about the TV in her room. "He had said that my TV was too old, but I told him that it didn't matter."
This was graphic proof that satellite services convert signals automatically, which is also true of cable connections. Subscribers to either needn't be concerned. Others who can rest easy are owners of recently manufactured TVs equipped with digital-ready tuners. Generally speaking, TVs sold since 2004 and those marked ATSC on the back will need no action.
"As the Sacramento area's news leader, we feel it is our responsibility to provide our viewers with an opportunity to test all of their television sets to ensure that they are ready for the digital transition," explained Elliott Troshinsky, president and general manager of KCRA. "We want to take a leadership role in providing the necessary information that will allow our viewers to take the appropriate steps, so they don't wake up on the morning of Feb. l8 with nothing but static on their TV."
For those viewers who missed the recent tests and are unsure which system their TV uses, similar tests will take place on Dec. 17 and Jan. l7, Troshinsky said. On Feb. l8, only those sets on digital or converted to digital will function. "If you use rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna, you must take some action to continue receiving TV broadcasts," Troshinsky added. "After Feb. l7, all full-power television stations will switch from analog to only broadcasting a digital signal."
"They've been talking about this for eight years," said Bobby Gullett, Shenandoah Valley resident and Direct TV customer. "If someone hasn't heard about this, it's their own fault. If they need one, it's really easy to get a converter."
Viewers who have analog television and who receive television over the air have three options: They can buy a TV with a digital tuner; they can connect to cable, satellite or another pay service; or they can purchase and install a converter box that converts digital television signals back into analog format so they are viewable on the analog set.
"I think the whole thing is a big rip-off," said county resident Mary Victor. Living in a part of Amador County beyond the reach of cable television, Victor doesn't have all the options, but she is accustomed to excellent reception of all major networks and some farther afield, depending on weather conditions.
Aware of the impending changeover, Victor has purchased a small digitally equipped TV for her bedroom. She plans to purchase another new, larger TV to replace her living room set, but will shop for the lowest price. Victor intends to search for a new TV that is not digitally ready, theorizing that such a set will be less expensive.
One consideration in purchasing a new TV is the aspect ratio. Analog television signals are broadcast to fit screens with a ratio of 4 units wide to 3 units high. This ratio is expressed as 4:3. High definition TV has a ratio of 16:9. This explains the black lines that appear on the top and bottom of an older TV screen when HDTV is the source. For comparison's sake, it should be noted that many movies made for widescreen theaters had an aspect ratio of 5:2. Such films will suffer the black lines on HDTVs, as well as on the older analog TVs.
A variety of boxes is available at most electronic retailers, most of which simply plug in to your TV. The converter box option, a one time purchase, will allow you to use your analog TV after Feb. l7. Certified TV converter boxes cost between $50 and $70. The federal government is offering up to two $40 coupons per household to help with the cost, according to an NTIA spokesperson. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed, and only one coupon can be used to purchase each coupon-eligible converter box.
The coupon program will provide consumers a list of eligible converters and participating retailers when coupons are mailed. Eight of the nation's largest consumer electronics retailers - Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart - are among the 250 retailers certified by NTIA to participate.
AARP recently advised seniors to watch for scams related to this transition, telling them to "ignore e-mails or letters claiming to offer DTV grant money or phony tax rebate checks." The Better Business Bureau recently reported a company offering free TV channels and a converter box to people who bought a $59 warranty.
"You won't get extra channels free with any converter box," said BBB spokesman David Baker. "You don't need expensive help. The boxes are not hard to install, with color-coded cables that correspond to those on newer TV sets. If you need more help, get guidance from the store where you bought the box."
For more information or coupons, call (888) 388-2009 or visit www.DTV2009.gov.
| Helen Bonner Ledger Dispatch Contributor |