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Mixed signals: Public still not clear on switch to digital(Tulsa World (OK) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jul. 6--Jonathan Robbins has five televisions in his Mannford home, but only three are high definition. The fourth is a small, older TV he picked up for $65 at Target, while the fifth is a positively ancient, 30-year-old set he inherited from family long ago. He'd be happy to keep using the older ones for years to come, but they'll play nothing but static by Feb. 17, 2009 -- that's the date the Federal Communications Commission has mandated all television stations and networks must stop broadcasting analog signals used since the birth of television and switch to a digital format older TVs can't pick up. That's moved up his replacement plans. "They're so old I'll just have to get rid of them," he said. "It wouldn't be worth it to buy converter boxes for them." The upcoming format switch, the biggest change to come to television since the introduction of color, isn't just sparking a run on converter boxes. It's also inspiring more people to buy TVs. James McQuillan, sales specialist at the Circuit City at 5313 E. 41st St, said his store is now selling more sets per week than this time last year, likely due to people preparing for digital. It's also causing a lot of widespread confusion among customers who aren't sure what the format switch will actually do. "A lot of people don't even know what's going on and are just buying things based on what they've heard," McQuillan said. Joey Jordan Baker, an owner of a 27-inch RCA that isn't equipped for digital, said she's frustrated by the fact that she'll have to do something to keep getting a signal. "This shouldn't be something that the government regulates," she said. "It sounds a little Big Brother." She, isn't the only person questioning why the switch is necessary or wondering what they need to do, said Joel Reed, general manager of Video Revolution. "People aren't certain what they need or whether their TVs will continue to work," he said. Joe Chronister, a sales associate at Ultimate Electronics, said the confusion over what's happening and what's needing to be done is leading to a lot of people making rash decisions. "People are buying converter boxes out of fear, but it's not going to be a factor until February of next year," he said. Ultimate Electronics will not carry converter boxes until the end of the summer, though he estimates he's gotten 10 calls per day asking about them. McQuillan said Circuit City's converter boxes are selling briskly, and they're keeping supplies up to meet demand. "We keep a lot in stock," he said. "We have about 120 in the back right now. Once it really takes off we'll probably have a lot more." Converter boxes or a subscription to cable or satellite services are needed for older televisions because the digital signals are broadcast on a different frequency than the older analog signals. Bart Forbes, spokesman for the Department of Commerce, said the new frequencies allow broadcasters to put more information in their signals, resulting in clearer pictures and room for additional channels. Many of the old frequencies are being auctioned off by the FCC for other types of communications. "So far, the FCC has auctioned off $19.6 billion worth of spectrum, which is helping fund the coupon initiative for the converter boxes," he said. Some of the frequencies will be retained and used to improve communications for emergency services such as police and fire departments, Forbes said. Still, the new frequencies only improve picture quality on newer televisions. Chronister said he's been warning customers that converter boxes won't make television signals on older boxes look better. "If you want to keep getting picture, it'll do that," he said. "But that's it." Converter boxes typically sell for $60 to$70, though the Department of Commerce has been offering to send up to two $40 coupons per household. Consumers can apply by calling (888) 388-2009 or filling out an application online at www.tulsaworld.com/coupons. Reed said the mass arrival of vouchers may cause short-term supply problems, though he anticipates there will be plenty to buy before the deadline. "The boxes will likely be plentiful," he said. Forbes said consumers have requested 17 million coupons so far, though only 4 million have been redeemed. "Only 40 percent of the people who get them are using them, because many people requested them before they realized they don't need them," he said. He estimated the Department of Commerce has the budget to send out 50 million to 60 million coupons. Still, not everyone needs a converter box. McQuillan said he's sure to ask people what their current situation is before they buy. "Once a day someone tries to buy a box that really doesn't need one," he said. Chronister said those considering a big purchase just because of the switch to digital should think carefully about their situation and what they truly need. "It all depends on the age of your TV and whether you're happy with the picture," he said. "Were you planning on buying a TV anyway?" Furthermore, the shutoff date is still eight months off. Though Baker is frustrated by the situation, she's in no rush. "I don't know what I'm going to do about it, though February 2008 sounds way far away for me." Robert Evatt 581-8447 [email protected] To see more of the Tulsa World, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tulsaworld.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Tulsa World, Okla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. 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