[June 12, 2009]

Digital TV transition is complete

Jun 12, 2009 (The Commercial Appeal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The switch is on.

Or off, technically speaking.

At 12:01 this morning, full-powered television stations across the nation started switching off analog transmitters and began broadcasting completely in digital.

The process will continue throughout the day, and while it should not be an issue for most people, for about 2.8 million unprepared TV viewers -- including more than 86,000 in the Memphis viewing area -- it is going to be a problem.

"There are still a lot of people who aren't ready, but this is it," said said Mark Wigfield, FCC spokesman. "We're doing all we can to help people with the transition, but viewers will have to take specific steps to get a signal if they haven't already prepared for this." In the Memphis market, Fox 13, WMC-TV Channel 5, WPTY-TV 24, WREG-TV Channel 3 and WBUY-TV 40, which is owned by Trinity Broadcasting Network and based in Holly Springs, Miss., will turn off their analog transmitters today.

Two other stations, WKNO and CW30, had previously shut off their analog transmitters.

"We're optimistic that it's going to go well, but there's no doubt that it's a significant moment in broadcast television," said Lee Meredith, vice president and general manager of WMC. "It's not like the switch from black and white to color, because you didn't have to do anything special back then. If you had a set, you could see the picture." Ron Walter, WREG president and general manager, agreed.

"This is the biggest thing to happen in broadcast television in my career," Walter said. "There hasn't been an impact like this in generations." To help, local stations will offer phone banks throughout the weekend to answer viewers' questions.

Similarly, the FCC has a toll-free number -- (888) 225-5322 -- staffed by more than 4,000 workers that will remain in operation through June and possibly into July.

But viewers have to do their part, too, Wigfield said, and that means buying a digital-ready television set or a converter box, or subscribing to a cable or satellite service.

To help with the cost of converter boxes, Congress established a program to provide up to two coupons for each household to use toward the purchase of eligible converter boxes. Typically, the boxes cost from $40 to $70.

The deadline to apply for the coupons has been extended, but supplies are limited.

And for those viewers who have taken the necessary steps, but have trouble finding their favorite channels, the solution is likely right at their fingertips.

"We encourage people to re-scan their digital sets and their digital boxes to make sure they've got the most up-to-date frequencies available," said John Koski, station manager at Fox 13. "If you don't re-scan, you may be missing out." For more information on the transition and details on how to make the switch, visit online at dtv.gov.

-- James Dowd: 529-2737 Digital TV Conversion What: Full-power TV stations conversion from analog to digital broadcasting, mandated by the federal government.

Why: To open broadcast spectrum for more public safety communications and auction other space to companies to help them provide customers with advanced wireless service. Digital broadcasting also offers improved picture, sound quality and additional channels.

When: Today Online: dtv.gov To see more of The Commercial Appeal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.commercialappeal.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Discussions: