I was fortunate this week to hear a presentation by Rob Bates, General Manager of NETV. Rob gave one of the best, most succinct explanations of how the switch from analog to digital will affect every Nebraskan with a television set. I though I would share it with you. But first a little background.

 

A couple years ago it was announced that on February 17, 2009 broadcast television would change from its current analog format to a new digital format.  (The digital format is also referred to as DTV.)  At first, many people were told they would have to ditch their TVs when the switchover was made.  There was lots of noise about just who was Congress anyway enacting a law that would rob people of their current televisions and be forced to buy one of big expensive digital sets most couldn’t afford or give up watching altogether.  Well, it’s not so.  Don’t toss that old analog TV because there are alternatives.

 

According to NETV:

 

“If you receive your TV signal via cable or satellite, you will not be affected and can continue to use the televisions you have now, no matter how old they are.

 

If you receive a TV signal through an antenna (for example, on your roof or ‘rabbit ears’ on your TV you have 3 options:

 

  1. Purchase a set-top converter box* (from an electronics retailer) that plugs into your TV. Each household is eligible for two $40 coupons from the federal government toward the purchase of converter boxes.  Call 888-DTV-2009 or visit dtv2009.gov to request your coupons.
  2. Subscribe to a cable or satellite provider, if one is available in your area.
  3. Purchase a new TV set with a built-in digital tuner.

 

*A converter box is a one-time purchase that will allow you to use your analog TV after February 17, 2009.”

 

So relax.  Although you must take some action, throwing out your old TV set isn’t your only alternative.  By the way, you are always welcome to write me comments on this blogs or any of my earlier ones (see below).  For more information on the conversion from analog to digital give me a call at 402-697-4251 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.