In the News - July 2008
Prepare for the switch to digital television
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 17, 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.
July 11, 2008
By Rebecca Norman
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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