Here Comes DTV

Federal law requires that all full power television stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format beginning February 17, 2009. And although some say it is perhaps the biggest change in TV since colored television, Patrick Webber with the federal Communications Commission believes it's even bigger.

"When you had a black and white television and color was available you could still watch colored television even though it was in black and white. With this once the stations turn of the analog signals if you haven't done anything, you actually have to take action to be prepared. it's like with Y2K, consumers didn't have to do anything they just had to be aware of the possibility. For the digital television transition folks who have analog tv's they need to take action".

Gwen Moore, with the City of Jackson Senior Services Division, says seniors need to know about these changes or risk losing their window to the world.

"It would be very unfortunate for any of them to miss an opportunity to stay in touch and in contact with their television set. Not just for entertainment but for information that's gonna keep them current with what's going on everyday".

If you watch TV through cable or satellite you don't have to do anything. But if you rely on rabbit ears or an outdoor antenna you'll need a converter box that will allow your old antenna to pickup the new digital signal. The government is still offering coupons good towards the purchase of a cenverter.

"You have to take your coupon to the store and get your converter boxes. There may be some shortages in the stores with a lot of demand happening towards the end. So folks need to take action today. If they can afford a convertor box without a coupon and avoid the last minute rush they can go ahead and buy a converter box today they are between $40 and $70. but if they want that $40 coupon they need to apply today".
At an information session Tuesday, Webber was able to help Chiquita Terry of Jackson work out some of the installation bugs.

"I have my box already so that's what i was asking him. cause I'm like I'm blind in my left eye completely I only have a llittle sight in this one. So through feel and touch i knew how to do the connections cause i have the antenna but I don't have enough sight to see how to do that screen thing and everything, so he said he'll come up and do it for me".

Coupon supplies are limited and expire after 90 days. To apply online visit DTV2009.gov. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.