DTV Corner - April, 2008

April 21, 2008

by Joan Barrett

Broadcasting is set to embark on a new era of growth as it helps lead viewers through next year's digital transition.

That was the message this week from the President of the National Association of Broadcasters, David Rehr. In his opening address in Las Vegas, Rehr also said, "that there will be a renaissance of over the air viewing with crystal clear pictures, phenomenal sound and more channels and services. And it's free- the way TV should be."

Rehr is referring to the digital transition coming in February next year. Analog signals will be permanently turned off. This means that if you are relying on an over-the-air antennae to receive your signal, and you don't have a digital television set, you'll need to purchase a converter box, or subscribe to cable or satellite.

Cable and satellite providers do offer more variety and more channels than you can receive from over the air broadcasts. In the analog world, they can also provide a more reliable picture. But after the transition, over-the-air digital signals will be crystal clear. It's definitely possible that some people will choose to watch television without a pay service. It's something the majority of us haven't done in a long time, and frankly many of us have forgotten how to receive a television signal using antennae.

All of this information, including the details about the government's converter box program, can be found at our website, www.kwch.com - click on the "Ready, Set, Know" button in the middle of the page. You can also talk to a local business that sells television sets. They should be able to explain to you how to hook up your antennae and converter box and show you digital television sets.

The billions of dollars broadcasters are spending to covert to digital will enable you to receive a free digital signal - even one in high definition - over the air. Remember rabbit ears? Loop antennae? These inexpensive items can provide you a superior picture in the digital age. It's an option you should at least evaluate for your household in the new digital world.

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