Are you ready for DTV?
An alien takeover? Not quite. It's just an avoidable consequence of television's great digital transition.
At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, the TV stations will stop broadcasting analog signals and switch completely to digital. That will have absolutely no effect on most households, which already watch digital programming.
But the estimated 9 million Americans who still rely on those old metallic rabbit ears or rooftop antennae will have to make some changes or risk losing access to their favorite shows.
In the run-up to the conversion, television executives are going all out to get the word out.
"Our mantra is 'Leave no viewer behind,"' says Scott Walton, executive director of communication for Bay Area station KQED-TV. "In a way, it's like that period right before Y2K, when a big question mark hung in the air. We can only hope that, like Y2K, things end up pretty clean."
Speaking of big questions, we realize you might have some of your own, especially if you're shopping for a TV this holiday season. Fortunately, we've got some answers:
Answer: It just seems that way. Federal law has mandated the switch to digital broadcasting. Not only will it offer more programming options, it will free up the old analog airwaves for public-safety needs such as police, fire and ambulance services, as well as advanced wireless services for consumers.
Most important for viewers, digital technology will provide a sharper picture, brighter colors and superior sound.
Unfortunately, it will do nothing to make Howie Mandel less irritating.
Question: Do I have to do anything?
Answer: Not if you have a digital TV or a television hooked up to cable or satellite service. You are already ahead of the curve and are free to continue vegging out on the couch.
Comments
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872 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
477 - Max Hall issues apology
209 - BYU is champion of the state
138 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
119 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
102 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79 - Utes fall to Seattle U. at home
65
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