DTV Test by Local Stations See if Residents are Ready

Although we may have heard about the switch from analog television signals to digital television signals, some folks may not be ready for the change. Stations around Tampa Bay will be doing a DTV tests a few times until the switch to digital is made February 17, 2009. To be able to see most stations at that time, you must have a television that receives digital signals.

Local high powered television stations will be affected by the switch to digital signals. Some low powered television stations will still be available for viewing.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Low Power Television (LPTV) service in 1982 to provide opportunities for locally-oriented television service in small communities. These communities may be in rural areas or may be individual communities within larger urban areas.

The major stations our area are all high-power and if you want to continue to view the programs on these stations you will need a television that receives digital signals. The first test for digital signal reception was conducted yesterday evening from 6:30 to 6:33 p.m.

By 8 p.m., NBC affiliate WFLA, Channel 8, reported receiving more than 600 calls. Officials at Fox-owned WTVT, Channel 13, logged 320.

It was quieter at CBS affiliate WTSP, Channel 10, which fielded only 30 calls; PBS outlet WEDU, Channel 3, took 32. ABC affiliate WFTS, Channel 28, didn’t have a tally but reported relatively few calls.

“We were surprised at how few calls we received; people apparently are prepared,” says ABC Action News director Doug Culver.

If you have not done so already you can apply for a digital converter box coupon. Make sure that you use your coupon in time before it expires. Each digital converter box coupon issued by the government expires after 90 days. The government will issue up to 2 coupons for $40 each to each household once. Even if you have an unused expired coupon, the government will not issue a new coupon to you. There are converter boxes for various prices. I have yet to see any below $40, but that is not to say that there are not any out there. The lowest I have seen is for $40 and some change, so you probably would have to at least spend a few dollars out of pocket even if you have a coupon.

Some people do not need to get a digital converter box. These are the options for receiving digital signals through your television.

  1. Keeping your existing analog TV and purchasing a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009. It usually costs between $40 and $70, or
  2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
  3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

 

Source: fcc.gov , TBOEXTRA, dtv2009.gov

Tampa Parent
Author: Tampa Parent

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