Digital Revolution: Cable's OK, But Rabbit Ears Need Help
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Satellite televison providers already use digital signals and cable companies have been preparing for the change from analog to digital.
Customers of Time Warner Cable, which covers much of the region, shouldn't see any difference when the switch is made, said Peter Taubkin, vice president of government relations and public affairs of the company in Albany, N.Y.
"We're converting the signal so if you are on the Time Warner system, you are not affected," he said on Wednesday. "Don't worry, things will be OK."
Why the Change? Congress passed a law two years ago mandating the move to digital broadcast. |
Do I Need a Converter Box?  If you're a cable or satellite television customer, you should be all set. If you use an antennae, you need a box or new TV with a digital tuner. And if you use a VCR with it, that may need a  converter box, too. Check with a local electronics supplier. |
Will The Picture Be Better?.gif) Maybe; maybe not. A digital signal doesn't mean you're getting HD. The converter is, well, converting the digital signal for an old analog TV. It could be clearer with no analog "ghosts." A new digital TV with a tuner will pick up digital broadcasts, which should be crisp and clear. |
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Where's My Coupon!
 The coupon program may have run out of money, but get on the waiting list. As unused coupons expire, the money goes to the next in line. Don't wait any longer! |
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More Information
DTV.govDigital Television Transition FCC Facts Digital TV |
But it won't be OK for viewers still attached their rabbit ears. They'll need a converter box to be able to watch over-the-air programming, or purchase a new TV with a digital tuner. Only the government has run out money to help them buy the equipment that'll keep local news, game shows and primetime programming on their screens.
The U.S. Department of Commerce program that offers $40 coupons toward the $40 to $70 converters has run through $1.3 billion. It ran out of money this past weekend, six weeks before the switch; citizens trying to get a coupon are being put on a waiting list.
An estimated 70 million televisions receiving over-the-air programming will be affected by the change. According to a Nielsen survey released in September, nearly 10 million American households weren't prepared and another 12.6 million will have a second television that will no longer work.
There's no cable service in Florida and Savoy, so residents either use antennaes or satellite providers. That means many of them will have to purchase digital converter boxes.
"I've sold hundreds of them," said Greg Black, manager of the local Radio Shack. "Florida Mountain has no cable and satellite can be a problem because of the tree line ... Savoy, too."
Florida Town Administrator Christine Dobbert said her home, like many others, is hooked up for satellite, but older residents may be relying on antennaes.
The coupon program was designed to ease the pain of plunking down up $70 to watch what is essentially free TV, especially for elderly and low-income viewers. Some ran into trouble when they couldn't get rapidly disappearing converter boxes before the 90-day limit on the coupons ran out. Up to 100,000 are now on a waiting list — and told it could take up to six weeks to receive the coupons.
While some retail outlets, especially in the Midwest, have had trouble keeping up with demand, they're in stock in North Adams. Black said he has two brands of converters, both for $59.99. "My customers will be able to get one," he said.
And don't assume because there's a waiting list, you'll have to wait, said Black.
"I walked a customer through the application and they got a coupon," he said. "I suggest at least trying it. My customer got one."
Taubkin said the cable industry mounted a $200 million campaign more than a year ago to inform people about the change. But many still aren't sure if they're ready for the big switch.
"It's a confusing issue," he said. "We're trying to get as much information out as possible."
Update Jan. 8, 2009: The Obama Transition Team has asked Congress to delay the switch
Another Update: the switch is set for June 12.
