April 15, 2008

Transition to digital TV: what you need to know

By LOU PENDLETON

In February 2009, federal law requires that all over-the-air television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. This mandate has resulted in some confusion about what we need to do to be ready for the transition.

For customers of Bryan Municipal Utilities, the answer is simple: you will not need to do anything. According to Joe Ferrell, BMU communications superintendent, BMU customers will not need a special TV or a set-top box because the utility will take care of it at its video facility. BMU will receive the digital signals and convert them to the existing analog format before sending them to its customers.

Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting to free up frequencies for public safety communications such as police, fire, and emergency rescue. Also, since digital is a more efficient transmission technology, broadcast stations can offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as more programming options for consumers.

In the case of BMU, Ferrell said, “Once we go to digital, the picture will be better not only because there are more lines of resolution but also because it will reduce or eliminate the atmospheric interference we currently have from over-the-air stations in Toledo.”

Ferrell said BMU is planning to launch a digital tier for enhanced video services for its customers around the end of the year and the first half of 2009.

Residents who receive free over-the-air television channels via an antennae at home will need to have a digital compatible TV or a set top box. All television equipment sold after May 25, 2007, should contain a digital tuner, or should be identified as not having one. Be sure to look for a label if you are purchasing a new TV.

These labels may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner” or “Digital Tuner Built-In.” You do not need an HDTV to view free over-the-air digital programming. As long as your television equipment contains a digital tuner, you can view over-the-air digital. An HDTV is only necessary if you want to view digital programming in “high definition.”

If you have an antennae and an analog television, you will need to purchase a digital-to-analog set-top converter box to attach to your TV set to be able to view over-the-air digital programming.

Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more information regarding the coupon program, what digital-to-analog converter boxes are eligible, and where they may be purchased, visit this Web site: www.dtv2009.gov.

In Bryan, the converter boxes may be purchased at Radio Shack and at Wal-Mart. Radio Shack sells a Digital Stream model, and Wal-Mart sells the Magnavox TB 100. Both models qualify for the government coupons and both stores accept the coupons. Go to Consumer Reports for a review of several digital TV converter boxes.

Remember, a TV connected to Bryan city cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box. For more information, link to the FCC Web site: www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html.