Help available for digital TV conversion

AmeriCorps volunteers are available to help people having trouble with converter boxes or antennas as they make the switch to digital television.

All TV stations by law will convert from analog TV to digital on June 12. Consumers must either switch to cable or satellite TV, or purchase and install converter boxes (and possibly obtain upgraded antennas) to receive broadcast signals.

The AmeriCorps volunteers will focus on groups that the Federal Communications Commission has figured are most affected by the transition, including low-income, elderly, disabled, minority and non-English-speaking consumers.

Assistance may be scheduled by calling 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322). Before calling, consumers must have an antenna and a digital-to-analog converter box.

The volunteers will help consumers set up the converter boxes, adjust antennas, scan for digital channels and take other basic steps needed to receive a digital signal. Teams will be available through July 15.

E-MAIL: lee@desnews.com