Even with the delay in the implementation of the change from analog to digital TV signal, most experts are advising that it might be a good idea for households to start preparing now. As a matter fact, some TV stations are already making the switch now because maintaining analog broadcasts is more expensive than digital broadcasts. Hence, those networks that are already digital-capable are choosing to make the switch now even if the new June 12 deadline is still many months away.
Below are some tips that I’ve found digging around for information on how to make the transition as painless as possible. You’ll find that they’re pretty simple tips but I think the key here is to start acting now. Waiting too long to make the switch or, at the least, to prepare for it might save you some headaches in the future.
To make the move to digital TV, here are your options as suggested by MercuryNews.com:
Sign up for a pay-TV service: Comcast is offering a basic package with mostly local channels for about $15 a month.
Buy a new television: You don’t need to get a fancy flat-screen TV; all new TVs, including basic tube televisions that cost as little as $115, include a tuner that can receive digital signals.
Get a digital converter box: Older televisions, including many digital ones made more than two years ago, don’t have a digital tuner. To receive digital broadcasts, you”ll need to attach an external tuner, whether one built into a dedicated device or one built into a multifunction one such as a DVD recorder. In the case of older analog televisions, the tuner will need to be able to convert digital signals into analog ones. Such devices range in price from about $40 for a basic converter box to more than $200 for a DVD recorder with a digital tuner.
Order your coupons: The federal government is offering households up to two $40 coupons to use toward purchasing a digital converter box. But there’s a backlog of orders now and consumers may have to wait weeks or even months for coupons.
Test your setup: Even if you have a digital tuner or attach a converter box, you may not be able to get the new digital signals. If you get fuzzy analog broadcasts now, you may need to install an external antenna to be able to receive the new digital ones.
Again the key here is that you must not procrastinate. For one, if you’re currently using analog signals through antennas then finding inexpensive converter boxes might become harder and harder to do as the new deadline approached. Furthermore, if you are going to avail of the government coupon, you should have made your claim by now. Otherwise, it will take you ages before you can be issued yours and you’ll be left in the analog age while most people have already made the switch.
For more information you may check out:
or call 1-888-DTV-2009
