Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2009

Older Ohioans Must Act Now, Despite Digital TV Transition Delay
Immediate Attention Needed to Deal With Early Switch-overs, Potential Shortages

COLUMBUS - Senate Bill 352 rescheduled the nation's mandated switch to digital-only television broadcasts to June 12, in response to concerns that too many people were unprepared and that a government program to subsidize the cost of converter equipment was unable to meet demand. Still, many older Ohioans will struggle with the transition as converter equipment and assistance see more demand and as many Ohio stations make the switch earlier.

"While Congress and the president have given stations and consumers more time before all analog signals must go dark, many seniors have already lost some access to information and entertainment and many could be completely cut off before June," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging.

As many as 10 stations serving Ohio markets discontinued their analog broadcasts on or before the original Feb. 17 shut-off date. More stations will be eligible to switch to digital-only signals after March 14. By midnight on June 12, all full-power broadcast TV stations in the nation are required to switch exclusively to a digital broadcast signal. The FCC has a complete list of stations making the switch and when at www.dtv.gov.

In order to continue receiving television programming, residents need to have a digital-ready TV, connect a digital converter box to their existing TV or subscribe to digital cable or satellite TV service. While most older Ohioans are prepared for the switch, some - particularly those who are older, poorer or more frail - are more likely to have older, analog TVs and rely on over-the-air broadcasts. They also may have physical, financial or mobility barriers that might make purchasing and installing new equipment more difficult.

The federal program to provide up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of digital converter boxes had approximately 2.6 million Americans on its waiting list at the beginning of February. Approximately 100,000 new coupons are issued daily as previously-issued ones go unused and expire. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, recently passed, provides more funding for the coupon program, but it is unclear how soon this will help eliminate the backlog.

All Ohioans are encouraged to act quickly if they are not yet prepared for DTV. Consumer groups expect a last-minute push for converter boxes to exhaust the current supply quickly, with new stock not set to arrive until late March. However, some online merchants accept the coupons and may have stock after local retailers run out.

Individuals who have questions about getting coupons, buying and installing a converter or receiving digital broadcasts should call the FCC's national call center at 1-888-225-5322. AARP is also operating a call center, available by calling 1-877-698-8068, to help older consumers. To request a converter box coupon, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009. For DTV transition assistance in your area, or to volunteer to help, call your area agency on aging toll-free at 1-866-243-5678.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.