[Posted Jan. 2, 2008]

Millions Of TVs Could Go Blank In '09 - Are You Ready?

By Leonard E. Colvin

Chief Reporter

New Journal & Guide
 
    Some of us remember the old black and white tv sets that worked only when they were connected to metal antennae on the roof or on top of the set itself. These inside antennae were called “rabbit ears” and sometimes were homemade clothing wire hangers.
Today Cable or Direct TV Satellite have replaced most of the old “rabbit ears”.
But as of February 19, 2009, if all goes well, things will change again, as high powered broadcast stations will be required to send their signals using “Digital Television” (DTV) signals.
If you do not have a  DTV-based television or a special converter box for your older model tv set at that time, you will not be able to receive television via the airwaves.
    But Federal  Communications Commission (FCC) officials and broadcasters are urging consumers to get on the digital bandwagon now to ensure their screens do not go blank.
Manufacturers were required to go to the new Digital TV standards by March 30, 2007, according to John Dolive, Director of Technology (Chief Engineer) of  WVEC Channel. 13 in Norfolk.  He said if you buy  a new television  today, it will be Digital.
      If you bought a set before March 30, 2007, you should check with the outlet where it was purchased, the technology literature which accompanied the set or call the manufacturer to determine if it is of Digital TV quality.
     Dolive said most of the broadcast stations in Hampton Roads have spent millions of dollars upgrading their facilities to accommodate the new standards set by the Digital Television Transitions and Public Act of 2006. 
“I think that viewers will enjoy the quality of the Digital signal,” said Dolive. “I have watched more television  because of the quality of the experience, especially sports. We are moving into the future with a great new technology which will help us enjoy watching TV better.”

     Dolive said Ch. 13 has spent upwards to $7 million to buy the equipment to meet the new standards and install it.  
      For those persons who do not have a Digital television by February 17, 2009, they will be able to apply for a coupon from the Commerce Department to buy a converter box at one of the local retailers, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart., Radio Shack, Sam’s Club or Walmart. There will be a limit of two per household.
     Dolive said no price has been firmly set, but he has heard they will be no more than $60. A DTV capable television costs from $250 upwards.
     Individuals may start applying for the coupons after January 1, 2008.
     There is  fear among federal officials and broadcasters, Dolive said, that many people will allow the February 17, 2009 deadline to past and will be shocked when they can no longer get a signal on their old television sets.
     Dolive says WVEC and other stations are posting information on Public Service Announcements during their regular broadcast day to alert viewers of the upcoming change. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)), the Native American Journalist Association and the National Association of Broadcasters, as a coalition, are using over $1 billion in PSAs and other advertising options to  alert viewers.
    Dr. Stan Tickton is a Professor of  Mass Communications and Journalism at  Norfolk State University and teaches Communications Law. He said that back in 1996, Congress passed legislation to transfer the nation’s broadcast to Digital to raise money and balance the federal budget. 
   “The federal government would sell all of those old analog channels for millions of dollars to entities which would use them for emergency services and cell phones and other communications,” said Tickton.
   “Actually the deadline to move to digital was originally set in 2006, but the nation was not technically ready.  Congress then set what it called a ‘hard deadline’ for  February 2009.   A lot of people are holding their breath to see if  they will not push the deadline back again. That depends on if we are technically ready for the conversion.”
    For more information about the TV Converter  Box coupon program go to www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon and for more information about the entire digital television transition in 2009, go to www.dtvtransition.org. You may also call the  coupon program’s 24 hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009.

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