TV adapts to the digital age

Television is entering the brave new world of digital television, leaving many consumers anxious about their future ability to enjoy their favorite programming.

Not to worry, say those in the TV industry.

Except for those who have an analog TV set - likely an old one - and receive local over-the-air broadcast stations by antenna. But even they won't have to run out and purchase a new digital TV set unless they really want one.

Simply by purchasing a digital-to-analog converter box (for which the government has a coupon program) and perhaps a stronger antenna, they can continue to watch free, over-the-air programming, say managers of the local broadcast stations.

Or they may decide it's time to subscribe to cable or satellite.

"If they're receiving programming off-air (with an antenna), they have to be prepared to receive the digital signal. If they don't they will go dark on Feb. 17, 2009," said Ricky Rinehart, Time Warner Cable general manager for the Yuma area.

That's the date Congress mandated for all full-powered broadcast stations to stop airing analog signals and use only digital broadcast formats.

"They'll have to make some choices," Rinehart said of such consumers.

However, he said, those who either have the digital technology to receive over-the-air signals or who subscribe to cable TV service won't see any changes. That's true even for cable subscribers who currently receive only the basic service level of 68 analog channels, he said.

"We will continue to carry those analog channels," Rinehart said, explaining that the FCC is requiring cable companies to download local broadcasters' digital signals after 2009 and convert them to analog for basic service subscribers until 2012.

But the digital age is here, and those who are on board are already enjoying its benefits of additional programming, more services and superior quality picture and sound.

For just a few dollars more a month, cable subscribers can get the hundreds of digital channels available, Rinehart said.

As for satellite subscribers, Dish Network will begin carrying the local channels as of Thursday, according to Andrew Wyatt, general manager of KSWT. He said he was informed of the decision last week.

Currently, satellite subscribers must use an antenna to receive local stations.

It remains to be seen whether DirecTV will offer local channels prior to Feb. 17, Wyatt said.

Dish Network and DirecTV could not be reached for comment.

The government has mandated the transition because digital signals take up a smaller part of the broadcast spectrum, freeing up airwave resources for public safety communications and new services.

Yuma's broadcast stations already have begun the transition.

KSWT, KYMA, KECY and KVYE (Univision) currently are broadcasting both analog and digital signals. They also have expanded their lineups to additional channels for those who now receive digital programming. KSWT offers CBS and CW, KYMA carries NBC and LATV, and KECY broadcasts Fox, ABC and Telemundo.

The transition process represents a big investment for the local stations and the cable company.

The cable company started making upgrades to its equipment in the early 1990s, Rinehart said. "We've been looking at it for years."

The completed transition will cost each station "roughly $2 million," said Paul Heebink, KYMA general manager. That includes not only upgraded transmitters but also converting the news-gathering and studio to digital.

But it is worth the investment, Rinehart and station managers agree.

"There are obvious benefits to digital," Heebink said, adding that the digital audience is growing daily. "There are a lot of programming opportuni- ties."

Wyatt agreed. "It's confusing now but in the end people will be really pleased. I think it will make for a more enjoyable TV watching experience. The signal clarity is so superior to the old analog signal. And with more channels, there will be more choices (of programming) for everyone."

Some over-the-air viewers may want to consider a converter box and antenna that will accept both digital and analog, suggested Deborah Weekes, general manager of KECY. That way, they can receive the local stations as well as Mexican stations and low-power stations in the area that aren't being required to make the 2009 transition.

Weekes also encouraged viewers to obtain the digital technology now to begin enjoying the benefits. "People don't have to wait for the transition. It's already here."

To help clear up confusion about the digital transition, the station general managers are available to speak to groups. For more information, call the stations.


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Joyce Lobeck can be reached at
jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.
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JUST THE FACTS
Q: What is the digital TV transition?
A: Effective Feb. 17, 2009, Congress has mandated that all full-power broadcast TV stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in a digital format. DTV is a fully digital method of transmitting broadcast signal.

Q: Why is the government requiring the switch?
A: Digital TV takes up less space in the broadcast spectrum. This will free up the airways for new wireless services and public safety communication.

Q: How will the public benefit?
A: Digital TV provides improved picture and sound quality with less interference and "snow." The technology gives broadcasters many options to provide features not available with the traditional analog, such high definition TV, multiple channels, Dolby surround sound, programming for mobile devices and full text channels. Taxpayers also will benefit, since the government is auctioning off the newly opened spectrum.

Q: Who will be affected?
A: The switch will impact consumers who have an analog TV set and receive TV over the air with an antenna. It also will impact those with digital TV sets who use an analog antenna. If a satellite subscriber, check with your provider about your ability to receive local channels.

Q: Will people need a new television set to receive TV programming after the transition to digital TV?
A: No. Most TV sets sold in recent years have digital tuners (retailers must label analog-only sets with a consumer alert). Older analog TV sets will continue to work with cable, and their owners won't have to do anything after Feb. 17, 2009, except continue to enjoy their favorite programming. Currently satellite subscribers still need an antenna to receive local over-the-air broadcast signals. However, Dish Network reportedly plans to be carrying their signals in the near future. DirecTV homes will need to upgrade their local channel reception to a digital tuner.

Q: How to tell whether a TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals?
A: Check the owner's manual or look on the set for a label that may contain the words integrated digital tuner, digital tuner built-in, digital receiver or digital tuner, DTV, ATSC or HDTV.

Q: What are the options for consumers affected by the transition?
A: They can purchase a converter box to plug into their analog TV set or buy a new TV with a digital tuner. They may also need to upgrade their antenna. For more information about antennas, check antennaweb.org. Another option is to subscribe to cable or satellite service.

Q: What is the digital TV coupon program?
A: The government has created a coupon program for consumers to help purchase digital converter boxes if they have analog TV sets. Each household is eligible for two $40 vouchers which may be used only to purchase digital to analog converter boxes. Most local electronics retailers carry the boxes. To apply for coupons, download an application from www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009. They must be used within 90 days. The vouchers should cover most of the cost of the converter boxes.

Q: What is the difference between digital TV and high definition TV?
A: They are different quality levels of digital TV programming. HDTV is one format of digital TV, and in widescreen format it provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. Other digital formats are EDTV (extended definition) and SDTV (standard definition). Broadcasters may offer varying combinations.

Q: When will the local over-the-air broadcast stations switch to digital signals?
A: KSWT, KYMA, KECY and KVYE (Univision) currently are airing both analog and digital signals for their programming. As the transition date nears, they will be upgrading their digital capabilities. As of Feb. 17, 2009, they will cease to broadcast analog signals. All of these stations are currently offering secondary digital-only channels that are available free over the air to viewers with digital receiver technology.

Q: Where to go for more information?
A: www.dtvanswers.com and antennaweb.org.

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Source: Time Warner Cable