February 4, 2009

Switch to digital TV is less than two weeks away

‘Televised Mass’ audience must prepare for change in signal

By Tracy Kmetz

Households that rely on an antenna or “rabbit ears” to watch free TV, but who have not yet purchased a converter box, will not be able to watch their favorite shows beginning Feb. 17. This includes the Denver Archdiocese’s “Televised Mass,” which airs 6:30 a.m. Sundays on KBDI Channel 12.

As of Feb. 17, all full-power TV stations across the United States will abandon the analog signal and broadcast solely in digital format. This switch was established by Congress in 2005 to free up pieces of the broadcast spectrum for wireless and emergency needs. According to The Denver Post, as of mid-January, Nielsen Co. estimated 6.5 million households are not ready for the switch nationwide, including 72,000 Denver households.

Recently the Senate approved a four-month delay of the digital transition; however, on Jan. 28 the House of Representatives rejected the same proposal leaving the Feb. 17 deadline intact.

The switch does not impact households that currently subscribe to cable or satellite programming, or who own a television equipped with a digital tuner. Generally, TVs purchased in 2008 or later are digital-ready.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions to help with the transition.

Q: Does this affect me? How do I know if I need to switch?
A: If you use rabbit ears or an antenna, or if your TV is more than 10 years old, you are most likely an analog user and need to switch. Analog users must choose one of the following options to convert to digital to maintain a TV signal:
   1. Purchase a converter box to plug into your current TV;
   2. Purchase a TV equipped with a digital tuner;
   3. Purchase cable or satellite service.

Q: What is a converter box?
A: A converter box is a device that serves as a bridge between rabbit ears or antenna, and the TV set. It converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The converter box works well when paired with a good antenna. Experts caution that rabbit ears, however, tend not to work well with the converter box.

Q: I heard the government was providing coupons to purchase converter boxes. Are they still available?
A: Although the government is offering $40 “TV Converter Box” coupons, the agency issuing the coupons ran out of funding in January. Federal figures show that less than half of the coupons issued have been redeemed, and many of them expire after 90 days. The government cannot issue any more coupons until the ones previously issued expire. As of this month, more than 2 million people are on the waiting list. To place your name on the list, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or go online to DTV2009.gov.

Q: Where do I buy a converter box?
A: Converter boxes are sold at local retail stores including Target, Kmart, Radio Shack, Circuit City and Best Buy. They are also available from online retailers such as SolidSignal.com and DishNetwork.com. For a complete list of retailers, visit DTV2009.gov. TV viewers should contact their local retailer as soon as possible. Given the high demand, supplies routinely run out.

Q: How much does a converter box cost?
A: The price ranges from $40 to $160, plus tax. This is a one-time cost with no monthly fee.

Q: Do I need a converter box for each TV?
A: Yes, you will need to purchase one converter box for each TV that previously used rabbit ears or an antenna.

Q: How do I connect my converter box?
A: Rocky Mountain PBS has published a how-to video on the Internet at rmpbs.org/dtv. If you do not have access to the Internet, call the Rocky Mountain PBS Help Line at 1-800-678-8749 for assistance.

Q: I’ve heard my TV may not work even with a converter box, is this possible?
A: Yes. Trees, buildings, mountains or any obstruction may affect an antenna’s ability to pick up the signal. In fact, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) predicts that thousands of Denver viewers may not get any signal after the transition. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to predict problems until the transition occurs.

Q: Lately, I’ve been unable to access Channel 12 to watch the Televised Mass on Sunday morning. Why?
A: A recent windstorm actually destroyed the analog antenna at the Channel 12 KBDI studio. Given the fast approaching transition to digital, and consequent abandonment of analog broadcasting, Channel 12 has decided not to replace the antenna. As such, Channel 12 has effectively made an early transition to digital. If you are currently experiencing a broken signal when watching Channel 12, you will need to choose one of the options listed in the first question-and-answer above to restore your signal.

Additional questions may be directed to Rocky Mountain PBS at rmpbs.org/dtv or 1-800-678-8749. The archdiocesan Office of Communications will also maintain updates regarding the transition, particularly as it relates to the Televised Mass at archden.org. Click on “Offices” and scroll down to Office of Communications. Visit their “TV Mass for Shut-Ins” page.