News

March 12, 2008

Eachus wants to aid move to digital TV

Television broadcasters will be required to change to an all-digital signal in less than a year, and state Rep. Todd Eachus wants to make sure that the switch for viewers is as easy as flipping a channel.

“The single most important point is to know that if you’re getting paid service from a cable company or satellite provider, you’ve got nothing to worry about,” Eachus said. “But if you’re getting your TV signal from an over-the-air antenna, you’ll need a digital converter to handle the new broadcast signal.”

Eachus said his office has the applications over-the-air viewers will need to get a $40 coupon from the federal government that can be used to defray the cost of a digital converter.

Beginning Feb. 17, 2009, the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act will require TV stations to stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast in digital only. All analog televisions receiving over-the-air programming, meaning households receiving television by antenna or “rabbit ears” will need to take one of the following actions:

• Buy a converter box that will plug into your current TV to change digital broadcasts into analog format for older television sets;

• Buy a TV with a digital tuner; or

• Connect the analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

The TV Converter Box Program was created for people who want to continue using their analog TVs. Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, U.S. households will be able to use up to two $40 coupons from the federal government that may be used to defray the cost of a digital converter.

Eachus’ district office is located at 100 W. Broad St. in Hazleton.

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