DTV Deadline

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—February 17th, 2009.

A red-letter date in American history.

That the date U.S. broadcasters will make the switch to digital television signals, and the shut off of analog signals—or TV as we’ve known it for all of our lives, up to now.

Research shows seventy percent of Americans know about the switch, thanks to non-stop government and broadcaster ads, crawls, and weblinks.

But because people know about the switch, does that mean they’re ready for it?

In central Alabama, most people are.

Sharon Tinsley of the Alabama Broadcasters Association says, “There’s only approximately eight percent of our population that is watching free TV, meaning they’re not paying for a cable bill or satellite.”

People who subscribe to cable or satellite services will still have television when the switch happens in February.

But TV’s more than a few years old that use an over the air antenna to get their signals will need some help soon to keep them running.

“You’ll need a converter box, or buy a new TV, or hook up to a service to see TV after February 17th 2009,” Tinsley said.

The converter boxes run from $50 and up, and the federal government will pay the first 40 bucks on two of them.

Right now, Tinsley says there’s a backlog on government coupons and boxes can sometimes be difficult to find.

“Our concern is that people don’t realize they need to start taking some of these steps and not wait until the last minute.”

There’s another reason to test an over-the-air setup now.

Tinsley told us, “Some existing antennas may work, but you need to see that for a fact now.”

With digital signals, you get them or you don’t.

And they’re more susceptible to interference from trees, buildings and mountains.

So stations you’re used to seeing over the air might not be strong enough when the switch to digital happens.

Your home might need a simple set-top antenna, or one mounted on your roof.

Prices for DTV antennas start at about $30.

“Some of the smaller boxes designed to put inside your home are good up to 20 miles, Tinsley said.  “If you live further out than that, from Red Mountain, you need to consider getting a bigger antenna.”

You don’t need a high-definition television to survive the switch, just cable, satellite, or a converter box and an antenna.

The Alabama Broadcasters Association recommends keeping at least one of your old analog TV’s hooked up to a converter box and antenna. 

That way, if your cable or satellite goes out, you’ll always have ready access to free television.

The switch will be here before you know it.

Are you ready?