Jun 11, 2009 6:34 pm US/Eastern
DTV Transition: One Day to Go
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
You've been hearing about it for more than a year and finally, tomorrow it will take place. It's the switch to digital television. 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan says procrastinators, take action now.
The nation got a reprieve in February. That's when the transition was supposed to happen but didn't because too many people weren't ready. Well, ready or not, June 12th at 12-30, it's happening.
It's estimated that nearly 3 million homes in America are still not ready for the switch to digital television. "I think it's just human nature to wait and see, especially since there was one delay, said Maureen McCarthy with the Federal Communications Commission.
But no more delays. It's the homes that have older analog sets and rely on set top or rooftop antennas that will be affected. And those TV's will need a converter box connected to it.
But what does the box do? "It's a digital to analog tuner so it'll take the new signal and convert it to analog," McCarthy said. That way, you can continue to watch your favorite programs on your old set after the switch.
You'll also need an antenna, one that is both UHF and VHF. "You don't need to go out and buy a very technical, digital antenna. You can try to get your signals with your old antenna, just as long as it has the loop and the rabbit ears," McCarthy added.
If you want some help in setting up that converter box, the FCC has contracted with several local companies to provide free, in-home installations. To set up an appointment, dial 1-888-CALL-FCC.
If you've already set up your converter box, be sure to re-scan for channels after the switch. That's because some stations will be moving to a different location on the spectrum.
CBS-3 and our sister station, the CW Philly, will make the transition to digital television tomorrow at 12:30pm. Ready or not, the change is coming.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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