Seminars to explain digital TV transition

Information about next February's analog-to-digital television transition will be presented at a trio of seminars this month.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is sponsoring the seminars, which will feature staff from his office and the National Association of Broadcasters, as well as local broadcast officials.

The seminars are scheduled for:

• Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Weber County Commission Chambers, 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden.

• Aug. 27 at 10 a.m., Sunday Anderson Westside Senior Center, 868 W. 900 South, Salt Lake City.

• Aug. 28 at 10:30 a.m., Utah County Courthouse Ballroom, 51 S. University Ave., Provo.

"Advanced preparation and awareness will help ensure a smooth transition," Hatch said in a prepared statement. "In Utah, there are thousands of homes which rely on free analog TV signals. It is important to help clear up any misconceptions about the impact of the transition on television services, and to help encourage those who need to take action to do so now, instead of waiting until the last minute."

Earlier this summer, Hatch sponsored and the Senate passed a resolution designating August as Digital Television Transition Awareness Month, encouraging local organizations and agencies to hold events designed to raise awareness of this issue and help consumers receive government coupons and converter boxes for the transition.