Digital Television - 1/27/08

INTRO: Thanks to a change in federal law, your TV could just stop working about this time next year.  Here to explain what you’ll need to do to keep watching your favorite programs on WKYC is our legal analyst, Armond Budish.

JEFF: WHY WOULD OUR TV’S STOP WORKING IN 2009?

ARMOND: On February 18, 2009, TV stations must switch from analog to digital broadcasts.  This means that your old non-digital TV may no longer work, unless you plan ahead.

JEFF: DO WE ALL HAVE TO RUN OUT AND BUY NEW TV SETS?

ARMOND: No.  And don’t let anyone scare you into buying something you don’t need.  In general, you’ll have three options if you want to continue to watch television next year.

1. You can buy a new TV with a digital tuner.  In fact, if you bought a television last year, chances are good it already has a digital tuner.
2. You can subscribe to a cable or satellite service.  In that case, contact your provider.   You may need to get some additional equipment that will allow your regular old TV to work just fine.
3. Or you can purchase a digital converter, and possibly an antenna adapter, for your existing TV.  You can get converter boxes from a retail electronics store.  Costs vary, but are running from about $40 to $80 each.  You’ll need one for each TV set.

JEFF: WILL PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY THE ENTIRE COST FOR A CONVERTER BOX?

ARMOND: No.  The federal government is offering to help.  Each household is eligible for up to two $40 coupons which can be used toward the purchase of 2 converter boxes.  The coupons are not limited to people with low income or savings.

For more information you can go to the Federal Communications Commission’s special website at www.dtv.gov, or call 1-888-225-5322.