You may think this is nuts but I am seriously worried about the day that television channels stop broadcasting in analog — which will be ON FEBRUARY 17, 2009. Now, I certainly support more advanced technology and our efforts to "come up in the world" with cleaner and more efficient broadcasting.
So why is this bothering me? The TV has become a major source of communication and entertainment in our country, sometimes to our detriment since families fight over which channels to watch, whether a program was taped on time, and over the whole idea that watching TV is better than spending time together. But, given our current techno-climate, imagine family members IN MASS not knowing why they can't see their TV. Anger and frustration are bound to set in over this.
According to Dick De Jong on the DTV transition site, there is plenty to be worried about if you are not prepared. Basically, if your TV needs airwaves to get a signal (i.e. using an antennae) you need a converter box which may or may not make your reception better, affects the use of a VCR and may be expensive to purchase if you did not order your 2 coupons being provided by the government.
Dick advises the following in regards to the coupons and then summarizes what you need to do:
These coupons do not automatically appear in your mailbox. You need to request them. You can apply for coupons online at dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009. After you receive the coupons, you need to buy the boxes. Most major retailers like WalMart, Best Buy and Radio Shack have them in stock. You can also order them online from a variety of sources.
To recap, if you are receiving over-the-air programming and your old TV does not have a digital, ATSC tuner, then it will not be able to tune into your local stations after February 17, 2009. To keep watching TV, you have three options:
- Purchase a digital to analog converter box.
- Subscribe to a satellite or cable service.
- Buy an ATSC tuner equipped TV.
Dick also adds many of the technical terms that are hard to understand so I greatly appreciate his summary here.
When I put out a request for information on this, one person responded that elderly people are so upset about having to pay for the new technology that the organization is trying to suggest alternatives such as Free Tube to see free channels online. The only (rather HUGE) downside to Free Tube is that it requires familiarity with the internet (not to mention Internet access).
I want to keep tracking this one because there is plenty more to talk about. Another person responded that in the conversion to digital, she lost PBS (the public broadcasting station). I wonder what they would think about that? Any more viewer loss? Could be pretty bad for business.
What can you add?
Oh, and I am starting an Operation A-to-D awareness campaign to help the elderly and otherwise confused beings like myself through the transition — but really don't know where to start! Want to help?
