A year from now, television as America knows it will be gone forever. On Feb. 17, 2009, in accordance with legislation passed by Congress, the analog signal that has been used to transmit TV since its invention will be turned off, and all TV stations will begin broadcasting its programming using a digital signal.
Any TV viewers who still have an analog TV at that time will find themselves in the dark, without the ability to switch on their sets and watch favorites like “Grey’s Anatomyâ€Â or “American Idol.â€Â However, the government and TV stations alike are busy getting the word out in advance about the different options that viewers have to ensure that no one will have to go without their favorite TV shows.
The National Association of Broadcasters has provided TV stations with commercial spots they can air regarding the switch. The commercials tout the government̢۪s plan to provide continued TV access to homes by offering rebate coupons on converter boxes that will enable an analog TV to receive the new digital signal.
Each household can apply for two coupons that are worth $40 apiece to go towards converter boxes that are expected to retail between $50 and $70. The coupons can be obtained on the Web site www.dtv2009.gov, which also answers many questions about the switch. Converter boxes will be sold in stores after Feb. 17 of this year.
Another option viewers have is to simply buy a television set that has a digital tuner. All TVs are now required to be manufactured with a digital tuner, although some analog TV sets are still sold in stores.
Justin Cruz, the store service manager at Best Buy in Fresno, said that a lot of people have been coming to the store confused about what they need to buy to prepare for the switch.
“You don’t have to get a flat panel [TV]; that’s a big misconception,â€Â Cruz said.
Many people think that they have to purchase a high definition television set (HDTV) in order to get the new signal, but Best Buy offers regular TV sets with the new digital tuner for under $200. Consumers simply have to look for TVs marked with ATSC tuner.
Jim Page, the marketing director for PBS̢۪s local affiliate, KVPT Valley Public Television, said that many people also seem to think that they will be receiving an HDTV signal once the switch is made, which is not the case.
“They’re only going to have high definition if their television set is a high definition set,â€Â Page said. “I think there is a lot of confusion out there.â€Â
Viewers can check their TV manuals to find out if their current TV sets are already digitally compatible with the ATSC or QAM tuners. Viewers that use antennas on rooftops or rabbit ear antennas on TV sets to receive their signal will have to have converters attached in order to use the new signal. However, if viewers are subscribed to a cable or satellite service, they will not need a converter to receive channels with their analog TVs.
“The cable and satellite companies will do anything that’s necessary to make sure you don’t lose your signal,â€Â Page said. “Any sort of technological thing that needed to be done, they’ll take care of that.â€Â
Once the analog signal has been switched off next year, some of the analog bandwidth will be sold to emergency first responders such as firefighters and ambulances.
“It’s in the public interest,â€Â Page said. “[First responders will] always be able to get through and communicate with each other.â€Â
Other advantages for the public include a stronger, better TV signal and the ability to receive a few more channels than before. KVPT has three channels – 18.1, 18.2 and 18.3 – which broadcast regular, high definition and Spanish programming, respectively. Right now, analog TV viewers can only receive 18.1, but after the switch, they will be able to view all of the channels.
Page said that KVPT has been broadcasting with both a digital and analog signal for some time now. The station wants to make sure that their viewers are well informed and won’t lose their ability to watch television once KVPT switches to all digital. The Valley has a higher-than-average percentage of analog TV users – 24 percent compared to 13 percent nationally.
“Because of the economic status of the Valley we have a much higher penetration of analog TV viewers than a lot of areas of the country,â€Â Page said.
What we want to make sure is that we get the message out to these folks that you don’t have to lose your TV signal. You can get this converter box; just hook it up and you’ll be good to go.â€Â
affiliate marketing • Apr 13, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Well, at least having a cable will be a good thing. And I agree with bryan that important things like what he mentioned should at least be readable in the top level of your article.
Charles W. Frank • Feb 21, 2008 at 12:11 am
Isn’t Google bidding on this frequency against the Tele & Cell markets?
Charles W. Frank • Feb 21, 2008 at 7:11 am
Isn’t Google bidding on this frequency against the Tele & Cell markets?
Bryan Harley • Feb 16, 2008 at 12:03 pm
My apologies! Though I do believe that info would’ve been better suited at the top of the story, as not to confuse people regarding their analog TV options.
Bryan Harley • Feb 16, 2008 at 7:03 pm
My apologies! Though I do believe that info would’ve been better suited at the top of the story, as not to confuse people regarding their analog TV options.
Joanne Lui, News Editor. • Feb 15, 2008 at 6:28 pm
The Collegian Staff Comment
It is actually in the article along with this quote:
“The cable and satellite companies will do anything that’s necessary to make sure you don’t lose your signal,â€Â Page said. “Any sort of technological thing that needed to be done, they’ll take care of that.â€Â
Joanne Lui, News Editor. • Feb 16, 2008 at 1:28 am
The Collegian Staff Comment
It is actually in the article along with this quote:
“The cable and satellite companies will do anything that’s necessary to make sure you don’t lose your signal,” Page said. “Any sort of technological thing that needed to be done, they’ll take care of that.”
Bryan Harley • Feb 15, 2008 at 1:16 pm
“Any TV viewers who still have an analog TV at that time will find themselves in the dark…”
This is not true. Analog TV’s will still work after February 2009 as long as you have a satellite or cable box. Good thing this info is in the graphic, because you failed to mention it in your article. A little misleading.
Bryan Harley • Feb 15, 2008 at 8:16 pm
“Any TV viewers who still have an analog TV at that time will find themselves in the dark…”
This is not true. Analog TV’s will still work after February 2009 as long as you have a satellite or cable box. Good thing this info is in the graphic, because you failed to mention it in your article. A little misleading.
Candace Egan • Feb 15, 2008 at 1:11 pm
In the story it was stated that, “Once the analog signal has been switched off next year, some of the analog bandwidth will be sold to emergency first responders such as firefighters and ambulances.” Actually, the bandwidth in the 700 mhz range, where analog TV is currently transmitted, is being auctioned off right now by the FCC. The auction can be accessed at http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_summary&id=73
Also the story should have mentioned that the majority of the frequencies available are being auctioned off to cell and telecommunications companies for mobile wireless service. The safety frequencies are actually a smaller part of what’s available. Companies such as Verizon and AT&T are bidding millions of dollars for blocks of frequencies. Others, including Google and Directv have also been mentioned as possible bidders.
Additionally, it’s important to know that the converter box coupons are only good for 90 days and are only going to be available until the switch.
Finally, student in the MCJ 178 New Information Technology class are working on team projects that involve speaking to public groups about the DTV transition. Their goal is to help clear up the confusion and misinformation about the transition so people are better prepared for the switch to digital broadcasting.
Candace Egan • Feb 15, 2008 at 8:11 pm
In the story it was stated that, “Once the analog signal has been switched off next year, some of the analog bandwidth will be sold to emergency first responders such as firefighters and ambulances.” Actually, the bandwidth in the 700 mhz range, where analog TV is currently transmitted, is being auctioned off right now by the FCC. The auction can be accessed at http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_summary&id=73
Also the story should have mentioned that the majority of the frequencies available are being auctioned off to cell and telecommunications companies for mobile wireless service. The safety frequencies are actually a smaller part of what’s available. Companies such as Verizon and AT&T are bidding millions of dollars for blocks of frequencies. Others, including Google and Directv have also been mentioned as possible bidders.
Additionally, it’s important to know that the converter box coupons are only good for 90 days and are only going to be available until the switch.
Finally, student in the MCJ 178 New Information Technology class are working on team projects that involve speaking to public groups about the DTV transition. Their goal is to help clear up the confusion and misinformation about the transition so people are better prepared for the switch to digital broadcasting.