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Digital day coming: Analog broadcasting will end in about six weeks
(Omaha World-Herald (NE) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jan. 4--Attention, TV-land dinosaurs: The end is near.
On Feb. 17, analog broadcasting will end. The only signals sent from full-power television stations will be digital. For those who have cable or satellite subscriptions, that's not a big deal.
But for the millions of Americans who watch only over-the-air channels through an antenna, Feb. 17 could be the day their TV goes black. If their television doesn't have a digital tuner, it will no longer receive signals.
All televisions shipped after May 1, 2007, should have a built-in digital tuner. In that case, Feb. 17 will pass with no change in programming. Televisions without digital tuners will need additional equipment to receive digital programming.
There are two options -- both with varying costs attached.
--The cheapest, and perhaps easiest, is tied to the massive awareness campaign by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The program provides up to two coupons good for $40 off the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box, which is necessary to receive digital programming on older televisions.
Converter boxes can be found in the electronics section at many stores and cost around $10 after the coupon is applied.
Through mid-December, the NTIA estimated that 76 percent of households that rely on an antenna for television programming had requested converter box coupons. In all, the agency had distributed more than 40 million coupons as of Dec. 24.
Coupon requests will be taken through March 31, though it's possible the government funds allocated for the program could run out before then. Coupons are good for 90 days from their mailing date.
--Replacing an old television is considerably more expensive but isn't as costly as it seems. While digital television will be broadcast in high definition, having a high-definition television isn't necessary.
Though most retail stores are focusing on high-definition televisions, standard-definition models still are available. A 27-inch model with a digital tuner can usually be found for around $175. From there, all that's needed to receive digital signals is an antenna, which is usually included with new televisions.
If the TV doesn't come with an antenna, it will cost about $10 for a pair of rabbit ears. Depending upon signal clarity and strength in your neighborhood, an amplified antenna may be needed. Those cost closer to $50.
--The most expensive option is jumping straight to high definition. Prices start around $250 for a 19-inch model and can climb well into four figures for 60-inch models.
Like the new standard-definition televisions, all that's needed to pull in the digital signal is an antenna.
Of course, the picture will look better on the high-definition model, but you'll have to gauge the value of a better picture against the price premium over a standard model.
--Contact the writer: 444-1387, bryan.redemske@owh.com
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Copyright (c) 2009, Omaha World-Herald, Neb.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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