After Feb. 17, 2009, some TV viewers may not be able to watch their favorite programs if they don’t have a digital TV or a digital-to-analog converter box.
    Congress has mandated that Feb. 17, 2009, will be the last day for full-power TV stations to broadcast in both analog and digital. After that date, those TV stations will only broadcast in digital. The switchover affects TVs that receive free over-the-air programming (those that are used with rooftop antennas or with “rabbit ears” connected to the TV sets). Analog TVs hooked up to cable or satellite services won’t be affected by the switchover.
    “What I’m telling cable customers is not to worry,” said Dick Sjoberg with Sjoberg’s Cable TV in Thief River Falls.
    Individuals with analog TVs that receive free over-the-air programming have three options, according to Rep. Collin Peterson’s Web site:
    • “Switch to a cable, satellite or telephone company television service provider, in which case analog sets will continue to function;
    • “Purchase a new TV set with a built-in digital tuner; or
    • “Purchase a digital TV converter box that will convert the new digital signal into the old format for an existing analog television set.”
    Congress has appropriated $1.5 billion for a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Under the program, every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Manufacturers estimate that it will cost $50 to $70 for one digital-to-analog converter box, according to the Federal Communications Commission. “One converter box is needed for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner” for free over-the-air programming. To request the coupons, go to www.ntia.doc. gov/dtvcoupon or call 1-888-388-2009.
    If someone is unsure whether he or she has a digital TV, those types of TVs have labels such as “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV.” If a TV has one of those markings, the individual will be able to continue to watch the TV after the cut-off date without a digital-to-analog converter box.
    “Cable companies are not required by the government to transition their systems to digital, and can continue to deliver channels to their customers in analog. Cable companies are actually required by FCC rules to continue offering local broadcast stations to their customers in analog as long they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after Feb. 17, 2009,” the FCC noted.
    If cable companies choose to transition to digital delivery, they must ensure that their analog customers are able to watch local broadcast stations.
    “We basically did the digital transition two years ago,” said Sjoberg, who noted Sjoberg’s Cable TV is picking up almost all of its signals digitally. Once the business totally switches to digital, Sjoberg anticipates that it will provide customers with a way to watch programs on their analog TVs.
    Switching from analog to digital will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications for police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire departments and rescue squads. Some of the spectrum will be auctioned off to companies, allowing them to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services, such as wireless broadband. The switchover will also provide improved TV picture and sound quality.
    For more information, go to www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html.