Because an array of incorrect information drips down the local grapevine, confusion abounds concerning how useful one’s television will be after midnight on Feb. 17, 2009.
The federal government has mandated all full-power television stations broadcast only in a digital format. Any resident with a non-digital television who receives a broadcast signal via an antenna will need a converter box in order to watch their set. This pertains to the signal alone. It will not affect cable or satellite subscribers, regardless of whether one has a digital TV or not.
“The FCC has mandated that local broadcasters begin broadcasting in the digital spectrum in February. They’re going to take that analog spectrum and reallocate it for emergency services. So,, if you are currently receiving your television programming through the over-the-air signal, you will need a digital converter unless you have a digital television. Time-Warner Cable will convert the signal at our end for those customers who do not have a converter box, so they won’t have to worry about anything,” Time Warner Cable Government Affairs Manager Pat McCauley said.
The Fort Jennings Telephone Company will do the same for its customers and a representative of Watch TV said its customers will experience no complications, either.
The government is giving out two $40 coupons per household to subsidize the cost of the boxes and about 10 million coupons have been requested so far. Requests can be made at www.instantgrantresearch.com. For more information, go to www.dtv.gov.
The digital conversion will allow broadcasters to offer a better picture. It will also free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for commercial users and emergency responders. Last month, the FCC wrapped up an auction that drew more than $19 billion in bids for airwaves that will be freed up by the transition.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.