Are you ready for the switch? !`` On Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital broadcasting.
Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008
BENTONVILLE — Television owners across the country must be prepared for a major change in service early next year.
On Feb. 17, 2009, as a result of a congressional mandate, all full-power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to all-digital broadcasting.
While most customers will be unaffected by this change, the Nielsen Co. estimates 112 million households will be impacted by the switch to digital broadcasting. People who obtain signals for analog
televisions through “ rabbit ears” or rooftop antennas must take action before the switch in February.
These customers must obtain a TV converter box, priced at $ 40 to $ 70 at
certified retailers. Customers
can also apply
for a coupon
for $ 40 off the purchase price of a converter box with the federal TV Converter Box coupon program by calling 888-DTV-2009 or visiting www. dtv 2009. gov.
Wal-Mart has been prepared for the switch since February, offering converter boxes and accepting coupons from the program.
“ We’ve prepared for many months to ensure that the coupon process will go smoothly, and will work with suppliers to continue to have available, affordable options in our stores for all customers, ” said Gary Severson, senior vice president of home entertainment for Wal-Mart.
Analog television-owning customers who subscribe to cable or satellite services will not be affected by the switch. Cox Communications is offering incentives for those who choose to subscribe to its service in the coming months, offering free limited-basic service for six months for new customers.
The switch from analog to digital broadcasting will free up portions of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders. Some television channels will be turned over to police and fire departments for emergency communication, and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.
Chief Dan White of the Bentonville Police Department said that in its switch to digital signals, no television channels or signals will be utilized by the city of Bentonville. However, the department is making use of digital radio technology, while keeping some of its analog frequencies.
“ The new radio system that we’re buying now is a digital system, ” White said. “ It’s not that we’re being forced to go to digital systems, but digital radio technology gives us different capabilities.
“ Because of the way we operate, we have to hang on to our analog frequencies. Not everybody we need to talk to is going to be on digital, ” White said. The Fire Department also has to maintain analog capabilities for voice pagers.
Money from the auctioned stations will go to assist emergency communication services across the country.
A total of $ 7. 4 billion in proceeds will go to the general fund of the U. S. Treasury, which will help offset the federal budget deficit. Another $ 1. 5 billion will pay for a coupon program that is subsidizing converter boxes that will be needed by over-the-air viewers who don’t have digital televisions.
Some of the money will go to grants for emergency communications, including $ 1 billion to improve communications among public-safety agencies.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
