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If you're one of the many people who still rely on "rabbit ears" to watch television, your TV may lose its signal a year from now without the proper preparations.
In accordance with federal law, on Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television station transmissions will switch from analog to 100 percent digital.
It's a switch that's confusing to many who aren't sure what they need to do if anything to continue watching their favorite television shows after that date.
The transition to DTV broadcasts will primarily affect those who use indoor or outdoor antennas to watch television using local over-the-air signals.
Those who don't subscribe to cable or a satellite television service will need to do one of two things to continue receiving a signal, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration: Use a television with a digital tuner, or purchase a TV converter box that allows analog televisions to receive digital signals.
Any television sold after February 2007 was required by federal law to contain a built-in digital tuner, but TVs built before 1998 do not have the tuners and are considered "analog" sets.
Analog televisions cannot receive digital signals and therefore won't pick up the broadcast channels after Feb. 17, 2009.
People who subscribe to a cable or satellite service do not need a converter box, even if they have an analog television.
Even Charter Cable's basic service will be unaffected by the transition to DTV, said Anita Lamont, a Charter spokeswoman.
"If they are a cable subscriber, they're fine," Lamont said. "They absolutely do not (need digital cable)."
To help with the switch, the Federal Communications Commission is offering consumers a coupon good for $40 off the purchase of a converter box.
The commission will supply up to two coupons per household, and people can apply for the coupons online, over the phone or through the mail.
The switch to DTV broadcasts is a good thing for electronics retailers, who will be selling converter boxes and new televisions to many affected by the DTV transition.
Converter boxes have been in stock at Grand Island's Best Buy for a few weeks and retail at a price of $59.99, but the store hasn't sold many yet, said Mike Thompson, customer specialist at Best Buy.
Jason Meister, store manager at Video Kingdom, said it is still undecided whether or not his store will carry converter boxes.
In addition to a spike in the sales of television converter boxes, both Thompson and Meister said they expect to see television sales increase as the transition date nears.
"I would anticipate the sales are probably going to go up closer and closer to next year," Thompson said.
Meister agreed.
"Most people, instead of having to deal with a converter box, will end up buying a new TV," Meister said.
Also, purchasing a TV with a built-in tuner may end up saving consumers money in the long run, Thompson said.
While the switch from analog to digital broadcasts might be inconvenient and confusing for some, the superior quality of digital television will be an improvement for everyone, said Brandon Engleman, services manager at Best Buy.
"It is definitely for the better," Engleman said. "Definitely for the better."
For more information, visit www.dtvanswers.com/.
Frequently asked questions:
When is the switch to digital broadcasts taking place?
Feb. 17, 2009
Why is the switch taking place?
According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for emergency responders.
Who needs to purchase a converter box?
Anyone who uses an antenna to receive free television broadcasts on an analog television. Those who have televisions with built-in digital tuners do not need a converter box.
Will I still need to use an antenna with my converter box?
Yes, you will still need an antenna. If you currently receive a good signal with your antenna, you should not need to purchase a new one when you obtain a converter box.
If I have cable or satellite service, do I need a converter box?
No. Even those who subscribe to basic cable will not need a converter box.
What can I do if I don't want to purchase a converter box?
If you have an analog television and don't want a converter box, you can either purchase a television with a built-in digital tuner or subscribe to a cable or satellite service.
How do I know if my TV has a digital tuner?
TV sets made before 1998 were traditional analog sets. Big-screen, projection televisions made between 1998 and 2004 may have a built-in digital tuner, but only a limited percentage of projection TVs included digital tuners before 2004. Starting in 2004, many of the new TV sets sold by major retailers contained digital tuners. By law, televisions sold after March 1, 2007, were required to contain a built-in digital tuner. To find out if your TV has a built-in tuner, check your owner's manual or contact your manufacturer.
How do I get a converter box?
Boxes are available at various local retailers and online outlets. The U.S. government is issuing coupons for $40 off the purchase of a converter box, with a limit of two coupons per household.
For more information and to apply for a converter box coupon, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call (888) DTV-2009.
Source: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, National Association of Broadcasters
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