 "Photo: Matt Castro")
On Feb. 17, 2009, full-power television stations will stop broadcasting analog channels and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format.
This means that those who still use an antenna to pick up cable signals and do not subscribe to a pay TV service must make a change to digital signals.
James Millsap, Best Buy sales consultant and senior in international agribusiness, said making the switch from analog to digital is not complicated.
Many people think they will be required to purchase a brand-new TV, but all viewers need is a digital television converter box.
This small device easily hooks up to any analog TV and converts the digital signal into an analog format making it viewable on an analog set, according to Cox Communications’ Web site.
Though it’s not a complicated process, some might wonder why this switch is even necessary.
DTV technology is more efficient than analog, offering clearer pictures and better quality sound, according to the Cox site.
Once all stations broadcast in digital, other portions of the airwaves will be free and can then be used for other services like public and safety services — such as police, fire departments, emergency rescue — and some advanced wireless services.
“The government asked broadcasters for their spectrum back to utilize it for emergency services, like Amber Alerts,” said Sarah Kauffman, Cox Communications public relations director. “Analog takes up more space than digital, so more channels can go on digital frequencies which is better for consumers and better for broadcasters.”
Millsap said the change is primarily for clarity and convenience.
“It’s along the lines of changing from VHS to DVD,” he said. “Digital TV will also allow for multicasting — when stations transmit multiple programs at one time. It literally makes television more efficient and will help with data services.”
However, Kauffman said most students will not have to worry about the change.
Unless an antenna is being used to obtain cable service, an analog converter is not necessary.
“Students who are still using an analog TV have three options,” Kauffman said. “They can get a coupon online for $40, which they can take to a store like Radio Shack or Best Buy and use it to purchase a digital converter.
“Option two is to buy a brand-new TV with a digital tuner inside. Option three is to hook up their TV to cable or satellite. It doesn’t matter how old the TV is — they won’t even be able to tell it’s an analog TV.”
In order to make this switch more convenient for consumers who might have multiple analog sets, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is issuing coupons for DTV converter boxes.
These $40 coupons must be redeemed within 90 days, and every household is allowed to apply for up to two, to reduce the hassle of buying multiple boxes.
To get more information on the switch from analog to digital, or to apply for coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or www.gocox.com.
