Digital Television Switch: Be ready for Feb. 17 - AGAIN

In my last post, I commented that congress had delayed the mandatory transition to digital television. Despite passage, you should probably be ready to move over on February 17 anyway.

Now we are led to believe that despite the move, most television stations are going to switch over on Feb. 17 anyway. If your local stations are part of the contingency that will move to a digital signal on the original date, you will be not be able to receive them should you fail to prepare for the move.

If you receive your television from cable or satellite, you are probably ready to go. If you receive your signal over the airwaves, you will need a set-top converter box. You can get more information at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.

Best wishes,

Chris

Digital Television Switch moved to June 12.

In a not so surprising move, Congress passed a bill moving the mandatory switch from analog to digital television by 4 months. The bill now has to go to the President for his approval, which is expected. If passed, the switchover which was supposed to occur February 17 will be moved to June 12. 

The delay will give consumers more time to get ready for the switch. If you receive your television via cable or satellite, you are probably already prepared. But if you receive television from set-top rabbit ears or a roof antenna you will need a converter box. 

You can find more information on the switch at www.dtv2009.gov . 

Chris. 

Will my television stop working next February?

No.

By law, television stations must start broadcasting exclusively in digital next February and stop broadcasting in the analog format that most of us grew up watching. But just because they will broadcasting in digital does not mean that your TV won't work anymore. Even if you don't have a digital television, you should be fine.

If you get your TV from satellite and cable and have a set-top receiver/box, you are probably already OK. The provider is already providing your content digitally and/or is converting the signal on their end so you can view your favorite shows without interruption. If you don't have a receiver yet, call them to get one.

If you are currently using an off-air antenna attached to your television, you an get a converter box that will receive HDTV and other digital TV signals and send them to your TV in a format it can display. To help pay for the box, our federal government is offering each household up to $40 coupons. You can apply for a coupon up to March 31, 2000.

For more information about converter boxes and to apply for a coupon, navigate to http://www.dtv2009.gov/ .

Blessings,

Chris.