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Getting Ready for Digital Television
Tracey Cousineau - Outreach Manager
 
2/8/2008

On February 17th, 2009, the television stations in Maine and across the U.S. will make the federally mandated switch from analog to digital broadcasting.  This change to digital over-the-air television will continue to be free, will offer many more channels and will give a better picture.  However, switching to digital TV broadcasting will be a chore for some Americans, including many seniors.  Though this transition is over a year away, there are an estimated 87,380 analog-only households here in Maine.  It is not too early to start assessing your situation and deciding what you will need to do to get ready for digital TV, if anything.

For cable TV or satellite, TV subscribers in some areas of Maine will require no action, even if you have analog TVs.  Mainers who receive free, over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting signals from a newer set-top or roof-top antenna and have a digital TV that is newer than March 2007, will also be able to receive digital signals with no further action or purchases.

Mainers who get their TV signals from an antenna and have older analog TV sets, run the risk of losing their signals if they do not make the transition to digital. You may need a converter box and a new VHF and UHF antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast on your analog TV.  To figure out whether your older TV is analog or digital, check the owner's manual, visit the manufacturer's website, or look for the acronym "ATSC" somewhere on the set.  In addition, effective May 25, 2007 retailers are required to put stickers on all analog TV’s that are sold in stores.

The federal government realizes the financial burden of this transition and is issuing two $40 coupons per household that can be applied to the purchase of converter boxes only.  I contacted the coupon company to see which local retailers would be participating, and they indicated many stores such as Wal-Mart and Sears would have converter boxes by late February 2008.  The retail prices will range from $40 to $70.  These coupons are first come first serve and only good for 90 days after you receive them.  For more details about the coupon program, call 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.  If you need assistance in applying for the coupon, please call Tracey at Health Access Network, 794-6700.

A service man may be required if your antenna needs to be replaced, but the converter box can be installed easily using the instructions provided by the manufacturer.  I would recommend that everyone check their equipment ahead of time.  This change will be taking place next February and that is not an ideal time to be replacing a roof top antenna.  You can visit www.antennaweb.org  to determine which antenna you may need. 

While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take the easy steps to receive a digital signal.  For more DTV information, visit www.dtvanswers.com or call any of your local television stations.