freshare.net
LITTLE ROCK - The upcoming nationwide switch to digital broadcasting has been cause for concern for people currently receiving free analog television.
At midnight on February 19, all television broadcasts in the United States will convert from analog to digital, which may cause thousands of sets across Arkansas to go black.
“The vast majority of Arkansans won’t notice the change to digital television. Anyone who subscribes to a cable or satellite service, or has a newer television set equipped with a built-in digital tuner will not be affected,” says Kevin Quinn, extension video specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
If you’re unsure if you have a digital TV, there are several ways to find the answer. Many digital TVs will have labels or contain statements in the informational materials that came with them to indicate that they contain digital tuners. These labels may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV.”
If the television equipment contains any of these labels, viewers should be able to view digital over-the-air programming without an analog-to-digital converter box. High definition television is not necessary to view free, over-the-air digital programming.
Quinn says, “Only a small percentage of Arkansans, around 10 percent, who watch older television sets connected to rabbit ears or roof-top antennas, will need to obtain an analog-to-digital converter box to receive the digital broadcasts.” The DTV Transition Coalition estimates that only about 13 million households will need to get a converter box for their TVs.
Digital converter boxes are selling for around $60 at most electronic stores. “The converters are pricey - especially if you need more than one, but there is good news for consumers,” said Quinn.
“The federal government is offering $40 coupons to offset the cost of the converters,” he says.
Arkansans, who need converter boxes, can apply for up to two $40 coupons, but they need to act quickly. Supplies of coupons are limited, and a coupon will not be available for everyone who needs one.
There are four ways to get your coupon(s):
1. Apply online at http://www.dtv2009.gov/
2. Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009. Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634.
3. Fax an application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
4. Mail a coupon application to: P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Printed applications are available in multiple languages online or at post offices and public libraries.
In the past, the Better Business Bureau has warned consumers about a scam involving the upcoming switch to digital television. This particular scam involved a company accused of selling warranties that had to be purchased with their “free” digital TV converter boxes. Shipping and handling fees increased the total price of converter boxes to nearly $100
The Cooperative Extension Service recommends that consumers buy from a local electronic retail store to directly purchase a converter box with the reduced-rate afforded by a coupon.
The switch to DTV will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications. Parts of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will provide consumers with more advanced wireless services.
Television viewers will also benefit from the switch to digital broadcasting, as DTV allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality. Broadcast stations can offer several channels of digital programming at the same time using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.