This is an article that appeared in the 2.23.09 issue of THE BANNER, College of Staten Island's official newspaper. Enjoy.
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DTV 1O1: How to keep your signal and keep your money at the same time.
Andrew DiLorenzo
GEEK ON THE STREET
By now, you must have been hearing a lot of conversations about this whole “Analog to Digital Conversion” which was supposed to happen on the 17th of February, but is now moved to June 12th. The big reason why: No one is ready for it. There are a lot of contradicting stories going on about how to get the coupon, where to get it and such. Since there were no other volunteers to tell you about it (actually, Bill Kline held me at water gunpoint and told me if I don’t do it, I’m being relegated to CSI WTF?!), I figure I’ll answer your questions.
Q: What is the digital television transition?
A: On February 17, some full-power broadcast television stations in the United States may stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. The remaining stations may stop broadcasting analog sometime between March 14 and June 12. June 12 is the final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts under legislation passed by Congress and expected to be signed by President Obama. Digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture and more channels and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
Q: Will my TV work after the transition (more importantly, could I still watch “Scrubs” after the transition?)
A: Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after the stations in the local area transition to digital broadcasting, which will occur no later than June 12. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service need to take action now. Most consumers who purchase a converter box today can connect it to their existing television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television immediately. And, fortunately, you can still watch “Scrubs”, but it will be canceled afterwards cause Zach Braff is directing a sequel to Garden State, entitled Cheese State.
Q: How can I still operate an analog television without having to spend a lot of money on cable or even have to go out and buy one from my local RadioShack?
A: Yes, Virginia, there is a solution. It’s called a TV Converter Box. A TV converter box plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after your local stations transition to digital broadcasting. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and usually costs between $40 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box.
Q: How do I go about getting these so called “Converter boxes” and if so, is the government providing me any funds so I can spend on hookers and booze?
A: Glad you asked, me. You can go to your local RadioShack, Best Buy, and even Kmart. They should have a lot of them stocked. And yes, the government is providing 40-dollar coupons that will either lower the price of a box to 20 dollars or even zero dollars. And no, you cannot use the coupons to pay for booze and hookers in the United States. However, in Tijuana, you sure can.
Q: Last, but not least, how do I get these coupons?
A: Simple. You can log onto http://www.dtv2009.gov or call their toll free number at
1-888- DTV- 2009.
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Andrew DiLorenzo is a tech expert for RadioShack and is also a DJ for WSIA Staten Island.
Got a question for the Geek on the Street? Email him now at The.BANNER.CSI@gmail.com. You never know, your question could become the Geek’s topic.
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