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Switch to digital television is here
Published June 10, 2009
It's two days away.
Full-power television stations nationwide must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format by June 12.
Digital television, known simply as DTV, provides clear pictures, better sound and more programming choices than ever before. But many households risk losing television reception unless they have taken the steps to receive a digital signal.
If you do not have a digital television and rely on antenna reception to receive your local stations you'll need a new converter box to ensure continued reception.
Cable and satellite customers are not expected to be affected by the change. Scottsboro Electric Power Board manager Jimmy Sandlin said several months back that his organization would be ready for the switch to DTV. Set top converter boxes should not be necessary.
Old analog television sets and antennas can still be used. Analog television users will need a digital to analog converter box if using an antenna. But analog sets, whether connected by antenna, cable or satellite service will not receive signals in full digital quality.
For antenna users DTV reception can be affected by terrain, trees, buildings, weather and location and orientation. Antennas should be capable of receiving both VHF and UHF bands. Signal boosters can be added to help improve reception.
If you use an antenna and are having problems receiving a signal: check the connections on your converter box, television and antenna; perform a channel scan on your television; and, if necessary, adjust your antenna.
Digital to analog converter boxes can be purchased locally at CVS, Handy TV and Appliance, Kmart, Radio Shack, Sears and Wal Mart stores.
The switch to DTV will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications and for companies to provide customers a wider range of advanced wireless services. Digital broadcasting also provides consumers not only improved picture and sound quality but more programming choices, interactive video and data services.
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