Please Note: You are viewing the non-styled version of The Ohio Department of Aging. Either your browser does not support Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) or it is disabled. We suggest upgrading your browser to the latest version of your favorite Internet browser.
Click the image above to download print-quality photos of Director Riley.
On Feb. 17, 2009, television in America will undergo the largest change the industry has seen since the introduction of color. All full-power broadcast television stations - including your local network affiliates on whom you depend for your news, weather and other information - will begin broadcasting an exclusively digital signal. What this means to you is that, if you are not prepared, you may turn your TV on to find nothing but static.
What you have to do to prepare for this transition depends on how you currently receive television programming.
If you've purchased a new television in the last two-three years, odds are it includes a digital tuner and you won't need to do anything to be ready for the switch. Check your owner's manual or talk to the retailer who sold it to you to be sure.
If you currently subscribe to cable or satellite television service, you most likely don't need to do anything. Your provider will ensure that you have the equipment necessary to continue receiving your favorite shows.
If you rely on an antenna, you may have to purchase additional equipment or services to keep the shows coming. You have three basic options that allow you to balance cost with ease of installation.
Option 1: Subscribe to Cable or Satellite - This is perhaps the easiest solution because, in most cases, the provider will handle installation and setup for you, and it is compatible with most existing television sets. The monthly subscription fee currently averages about $50 per month for basic service, according to the National Cable and Telecommunications Association. In addition, there may be an installation charge, equipment costs or other fees. You also may have to sign a contract or undergo a credit check. In the long run, this might be the most expensive option, but, for folks who can't afford a large single expense like a new television or aren't comfortable installing electronic equipment themselves, this may be a good way to go.
Option 2: Purchase a converter box - You can continue to receive your TV signal via your existing television and antenna if you purchase a converter box. The box will take the place of your TV's tuner and will work much the same way as you're used to. The ease of setting up your converter box depends on the brand and features, as well as the configuration of your TV and other equipment you have, such as VCRs and DVD players. If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, a friend or family member may be able to help. Converters are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $50-250, but you will likely need a separate converter for each TV in your home. Installation may also require the purchase of additional cables or adapters. You can offset some of the cost with free $40 coupons from the federal government. Call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.DTV2009.gov for details.
Option 3: Purchase a new TV - All new television sets sold today are required to include a digital tuner that will allow you to continue receiving programming after the February transition. This option has a large initial cost, with sets in popular sizes ranging from $400 to $3,000, but can be cheaper in the long run than subscribing to cable or satellite if you don't already have those services. Most TV retailers will install your new TV for you, though they may charge a fee for this service and additional cords and equipment may be necessary. Keep in mind that you do not need to spend the extra money for a high-definition (HDTV) set. Ask your retailer about standard or enhanced definition sets to save money.
How you prepare for the switch to digital TV is a personal choice. Carefully weigh your options and consider what you can spend and how comfortable you are with installing new equipment. Talk to your friends, neighbors and family members to see what they've done or are doing to prepare. Then, sit back in February and enjoy the improved picture and sound that digital TV provides.
For more information, visit www.DTV.gov.
