February 28 05:29 PM
DTV Switch Basics
If you have cable or satellite TV service, your set will continue to work.
Many cable and satellite providers have already been converting digital signals to analog without customers even knowing it.
If you use “rabbit ears” or another type of antenna for basic TV, you will no longer receive a signal after Feb. 17, 2009.
Your old TV will pick up a digital signal with a new converter box.
These new converter boxes cost around $60. The boxes will covert the new digital signal back to the old analog signal. You won’t be seeing a digital or HDTV picture (you’d need an HDTV set and service for that), you’ll be seeing TV as you saw it before the switch. The government (specifically, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration) is currently giving away two $40 coupons for each household for the purchase of these converter boxes. Coupon supply is limited, so if you want to keep using your old TV call the 24-hour hotline at: 1-888-DTV-2009 or apply online at www.dtv2009.gov. Converter boxes are currently for sale at most major electronics retailers.
BUYER BEWARE: A Massachusetts based research group recently conducted “secret shopper” surveys at the leading electronics retailers in 10 states. They found that 81 percent of sales staff gave inaccurate information about converter boxes and 78 percent gave inaccurate information about the government coupons. Do your own homework before you buy.
If buying a new TV be sure it contains a digital tuner
The FCC has prohibited the manufacture or import of any device containing an analog tuner since March 1, 2007 (this includes TVs, DVRs, etc). Anything manufactured or imported since that date by law should contain a digital tuner capable of receiving the new signal. Retailers may continue to sell existing stock with analog tuners, but they are required to post a note next to all analog devices alerting the consumer to also purchase a converter box for viewing after the DTV switch.
BUYER BEWARE: When purchasing a new TV or wondering about your current one, just because a set is labeled “digital ready” or “HDTV ready” or boasts of a digital or HDTV monitor, does not mean it contains a digital tuner. It may also require a converter box. If you’re unsure, contact your TVs manufacturer with the model number.
Advertise in City Paper 
Post Anonymously, No Log-in Required!