Digital TV pushes analog toward oblivion
It’s time for another warning: We’re less than four months out from the most complete change in the history of television.
At midnight Feb. 17, all of TV will go digital. Those analog signals that have delivered TV to American homes since the box was invented will stop, by order of Congress. Every TV in the country needs to be ready to take digital signals or it will go dark (though you could argue it will still play DVDs and VCR).
Scary, right? First big point: When the sun rises on Feb. 18, most people won’t notice. Whether they know it or not, already 91 percent of American homes are prepared. They’ll get their television as always.
However, 8.4 percent of Americans — roughly 9.6 million households — do need to make some changes.
This digital transition is the reason you keep seeing those ads from local TV stations, and that’s what a few of those inexplicable tests were about. They don’t want to lose viewers. Those commercials aren’t about their HD capacity; they’re about your TV reception.
So, here’s what that means to you:
If you have cable or satellite service, you’re fine. You may have to talk with your company, but you don’t need to change anything.
If you have a digital TV – which includes high definition, but also means any TV with a digital tuner – you, too, are fine.
If you get TV from an antenna, like rabbit ears or that metal thing on the roof, sorry, it’s time to do something about it.
The cheapest move is to get a digital converter box, on sale at most major electronics stores. They run $50 to $70ish, plus there are government-issued coupons that will cut $40 off the price.
Or you can sign up for cable or satellite service. Or you can buy a new TV, but – and this is important – you do not need a new set, no matter what someone at some devious electronics store tells you. New TVs are fun, and they’ll solve the problem, but they aren’t the only way.
The National Association of Broadcasters released numbers last week that showed that only 8 percent of Americans are unaware this is happening. But judging from my calls and e-mail, I’m guessing only 8 percent don’t have at least some questions.
So here are some of the basics:
Televisions
Digital TV does not mean high definition. This isn’t about that. All HD sets are digital, but you can have a digital receiver without having HD.
If you have a digital receiver in your set, you’re cool. If you can’t tell, check the owner’s manual or call the manufacturer. As a guideline, almost all TVs built in 2004 or later have digital receivers, and any new set you might buy now has one. Few TVs built before 1998 have them.
If you don’t have a digital receiver and don’t want cable or satellite, your cheapest move is a converter box.
Converter Boxes
Every TV in the house needs its own digital connection, either through cable, satellite, or the converter.
The boxes are easy to connect and you shouldn’t need to pay for help. However, once connected, the boxes do need to be told to scan for channels. The instructions tell you how.
Also, there are some battery packs for converters, so you can still take the little set camping. Though don’t we go camping to get away from TV?
The U.S. Department of Commerce suggests people order coupons right away, because it takes a couple of weeks delivery time. But be aware, when you get the coupons, they expire after 90 days.
For info or to order converter box coupons, go to www.dtv2009.gov or call (888) 388-2009 or write TV Converter Box Coupon Program, P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
Antennas
Your current antenna will work and nothing about this digital changeover will change your general antenna reception. If it’s good now, it’ll stay good. If it reeks, it’ll stay bad.
Cable, Satellite
If you have satellite, you’re ready. If you have digital cable now, you’re ready. Mostly.
You might need to add a converter box from the company. It will let you know. But you won’t need to change to digital cable as long as the company offers analog.
If your cable is analog, the company will convert the analog signal for you – possibly with the box – but most will offer analog cable for a while.
However, some cable companies want to eventually change entirely to digital service, but that’s separate from this.
More Information
The FCC Web site is www.DTV.gov or call toll free (888) 225-5322.
The most complete Web site for more general information is www.dtvtransition.org.