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Thousands Of Locals Have Ordered Digital TV Coupons; Are You Ready?

Thousands of North Escambia residents have ordered their  free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the upcoming switch to digital television in February 2009. The deadline to switch to digital TV is fast approaching, and two local stations will turn off their analog broadcast and go all digital tomorrow tonight — for one minute.

The one minute test on WSRE Channel 23 and WEAR Channel 3 will allow viewers to determine if they are ready for the digital conversion. If during the one minute the analog broadcast is turned off you continue to see programming, you are ready. If you see “snow”, your TV is not ready for the switch.

In Century’s 32535 zip code, 974 coupons had been requested as of last week. That’s up from 649 total coupons requested by the first week of September and 189 coupons that had been requested as of the first week of May.

In the McDavid/Walnut Hill 32568 zip, 862 coupons had been requested as of last week. That up from 587 coupons that had been requested by September and 215 the first week of May.

A total of 899 coupons had been requested in the Molino 32577 zip by the end of last week. There had been 244 requested by the first week of May in the Molino zip and 587 by the beginning of September.

Thursday night at 7:00, WSRE and WEAR will simlulcast a “DTV Answers” program explaining the digital conversion. During the program, the analog transmitters will be shut off to allow viewers to “test” there television viewing setups to see if they are ready for the digital conversion.

WEAR-TV 3 became the first station in the market to broadcast a newscast in high definition in early September when they introduced their new set. It features a modern design, 30 high-def monitors and an anchor desk that can be rotated 180 degrees.

The government is handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, but so far the number of people requesting the coupons in North Escambia is relatively low. Each person is allowed to request up to two coupons. The coupon supply is limited. When the coupon allotment is exhausted, those that have not requested coupons will not receive the $40 savings. The  deadline to switch to digital TV is February 17. After that date, viewers on a regular analog TV will just see “snow”.

While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.

If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter  box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running classic television programs . Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additional public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).

In to order a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70.

Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.

Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.

What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date?

If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?

From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.

For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?

Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.

What can the public do to plan for the transition?

Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on February 17, 2009.