At midnight, Feb. 17, 2009, analog television will make way for the digital revolution.
People who subscribe to cable or satellite TV services shouldn't notice a difference at all.
But TVs more than a couple years old that get their signals through the air need some attention. They will have to be hooked up to cable, satellite or a special converter box.
The federal government is giving each household two coupons worth $40 each to help defray the cost of up to two of the special boxes.
This month, television stations in Wilmington, N.C. made the switch early, shutting off their analog signals to see what the rest of the country might face five months from now.
Alabama Broadcasters Association President Sharon Tinsley says North Carolina broadcasters got a lot of phone calls following the switch. 80 percent were for easy-to-solve issues.
“We learned a lot of valuable lessons from that. The biggest issue seems to be antennas, that people need to address the antennas they have to upgrade them or make new purchases,” Tinsley said.
For most viewers getting over-the-air signals, old-school rabbit ears or an indoor directional antenna will likely suffice.
“That's your basic indoor antenna,” Tinsley said.
But people who live further away from their local TV stations might need more sophisticated antennas. And in this case, bigger and higher are better. Experts say start cheap and work your way up until you find the right solution.
“The simpler the better,” said Joey Lee of Handy TV and Appliance. “If we can keep it simple and make it work, that's the best way to go, because the signal's going to be there or not.”
Many antennas, even large outdoor models, cost less than $80. They come with color-coded stickers depending on what type of model they are.
You can go to antennaweb.org and put in your address. The Web site will tell you which antenna is right for where you live.
In the North Carolina test, about 1 percent of viewers could no longer see some of their usual channels... so test now, so you don't get a big surprise when the changeover happens.
“If you live beyond Tuscaloosa and beyond Anniston and you're watching these stations over the air, you should put up the biggest antenna you can,” Tinsley said.
The federal government has announced the converter box coupon program is being expanded. In about 3 weeks, people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and those who use post office boxes will be eligible to get the coupons.
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