Digital TV switch can be confusing (it’s already, duh!)
April 15, 2008 10:22 am Digital TVPARKERSBURG — The transition to digital television may have some people confused about whether or not they’ll still be able to tune in when the change occurs.
The federal government has mandated that all television stations start broadcasting digital over-the-air signals by February 2009. The change, commonly referred to as the digital TV transition, applies only to over-the-air signals.
According to the government, digital TV is an advanced broadcasting technology that enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. It can also offer multiple programming choices, called multicasting, and interactive capabilities.
The switch means normal analog televisions alone will not be capable of receiving the digital over-the-air signal.
This leaves two options for TV viewers who rely on over-the-air signals. They can either purchase a converter box to receive the digital signal, or they can purchase a television with a digital tuner.
The government also mandated that as of March 1, 2007, all new televisions must include digital tuners.
According to Suddenlink officials, signals transmitted over cable lines will not change in 2009. Viewers with non-digital cable should not be affected by the change.
Suddenlink officials said any TV set hooked up to Suddenlink cable service should not be affected by this transition.
According to federal officials, all U.S. households will be eligible to request two coupons, each worth $40, to be used toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is responsible for administering the coupon program and more information is available at www.DTV2009.gov.
Suddenlink officials said they do not have access to the coupons and Suddenlink customers should not need to purchase the converter box.
The government and television service providers are working to educate the public about the digital TV transition, but a great deal of confusion remains.
Virginia Rapp of Williamstown said she has never heard of the digital TV transition. She said a government mandate regarding television service just seems excessive.
“I think it’s crazy. It just sounds like an awful lot of extra expense,” she said.
Rapp said she was thankful she has cable and doesn’t have to worry about the transition.
“I’ll just stick to what I have. You can only watch so much at a time anyway. I have other things to worry about than that. The election is the big worry right now,” she said.
Kathy Stoltz of Vienna said she heard a lot about the transition to digital TV before she ever learned that cable subscribers most likely won’t have to worry about it.
“I’d been hearing about it for a long time. What I hadn’t been hearing was an explanation of who would be affected. Lately, there has been a lot more info put out that explains if you’re on cable, you’ll be fine,” she said.
Stoltz said the initial confusing information may have a lasting effect, as some people may still not know if they need a converter or new television.
“It was distressing to a lot of people who have four or five TVs in their house and thought, ‘I don’t want to buy that many boxes or new TVs.’ It would have been easier right up front if they told us we weren’t going to have to. I was asking my kids about it. They said, ‘Mom, you’re fine, you have cable.’ It is very helpful they’re putting more announcements out now that set the record straight,” she said.
News Source: http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/504200.html?nav=5061