Ohio Department of Aging
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February 2008
Click the image above to download print-quality photos of Director Riley.
In about a year, thousands of older Ohioans could turn on their TVs only to find nothing is on... quite literally. On Feb. 19, 2009, all full-power television stations are required to begin broadcasting a digital signal only. What this means is that many households that receive their television signal through an antenna on an older TV set may find themselves staring at a lot of "snow" if they haven't prepared.
There are many advantages - both as individuals and as a society - for switching to digital television, or DTV. DTV provides enhanced sound and picture quality, as well as expanded closed-captioning capabilities. It also allows stations to broadcast multiple programs at the same time, which means that, instead of the 3 to 6 channels typically available through an antenna, viewers could have access to 10 to 20, each offering unique schedules or specialized content not previously available.
The broadcast frequencies previously reserved for analog broadcasting will be re-assigned to allow for new wireless services and increased police and emergency services and communication. Households that don't make the switch could lose a major means of access to the outside world, including news and emergency information. This is particularly troubling, given the likelihood that many households that rely on analog TV include older residents.
What do you need to do to be prepared? If you subscribe to a paid television service, such as cable or satellite TV, you probably don't need to do anything. Your provider will ensure that you continue receiving local broadcast programming. However, check with them to see if you will need to purchase or rent any new equipment in the future and if any additional fees will be charged.
If you currently receive over-the-air programming using an antenna - either roof-mounted or set-top ("rabbit ears") - you need to determine if each television in your home is equipped with a digital tuner. If you purchased a television in the past year, it may already be DTV-ready. These sets will likely have labels or markings on them or statements in the informational materials that came with them that they include digital tuners. Televisions that are more than two or three years old are probably analog. Check with your TV's manufacturer or local electronics retailer if you have questions about your set.
If you have analog TVs, you will need to replace them or purchase digital-to-analog converter boxes to continue watching broadcast television on those sets. A converter box is by far the most economical option. These devices are inexpensive (about $50 to $70), easy to install and available at most electronic retailers. Plus, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is offering up to two $40 coupons per household to help defray the cost of converters. All households are eligible. Call toll-free 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov to apply.
You don't have to wait until 2009 to make the switch, either. Most stations already are broadcasting a digital signal. Check with your local stations to determine the channel numbers for their digital broadcasts.
For more information on the DTV transition, call the Federal Communications Commission toll-free at 1-888-225-5322 or visit www.dtv.gov.
Ohio Department of Aging