Local stations decide not to delay their digital revolution

By Melissa Westphal

BusinessRockford.com

Even though lawmakers delayed the official digital TV switch, some local residents still will lose their local channels if they’re not prepared by Feb. 17.

Although June 12 is the new deadline for stations nationwide to make the digital switch, local stations are opting to stick with the original date, just 10 days away.

Local station operators said less than 1 percent of the households in the Rock River Valley are not prepared for the conversion from analog to digital, according to their research. These are people who don’t have cable, a satellite provider or a digital TV.

For those viewers, the local channels will go dark on Feb. 17. The stations have gone off the air a few times a month for several months to prepare people.

“The ones we haven’t reached, we know we won’t do any better reaching by June,” said Greg Graber, vice president and general manager of WIFR-23. “It’s time to go, frankly.”

Nearly 90 percent of the region already relies on cable or satellite providers, so most viewers won’t notice a difference on Feb. 17.

Angie Malone, a media spokeswoman for the touring education program DTV Road Show, said stations have to apply directly to the Federal Communications Commission to switch on Feb. 17.

Stations locally have worked together to minimize the confusion, said Joe Denk, vice president and general manager of WTVO-17 and WQRF-39. Be prepared to see more scrolling messages across your TV in the next week reminding people of the switch.

“We’re doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for people to continue viewing their local channels,” Denk said. “For the average person, it’s a seamless transition.”

The law technically allowed stations to make the digital switch in September. John Chadwick, vice president and general manager of WREX-13, said the local stations discussed that possibility, but of the people who needed converter boxes, about 10 percent still didn’t have them.

“Because they are ready and we are ready, we thought it best to move forward,” Chadwick said. “We’ve been talking about this switch for several years, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.”

WREX is switching at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 17, and WIFR will switch at noon. WTVO/WQRF still is deciding when it will switch, but Denk said it will be around the same time.

All of the stations can be reached by phone or e-mail to help people through the transition. Graber said they discussed having meetings so people who still need information can attend.

“We’re not going to walk away from these people,” Graber said. “We’ll help them figure out something. It’s our business.”

The stations have been getting calls already and expect the calls to increase through next week and especially on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18.

Chadwick said the calls now are from people who are having trouble setting up their converter boxes.

But for some viewers, the converter box alone won’t help. They may need a new outdoor antenna.

Dick Dutton gets about at least a dozen calls a day about converter boxes and antennas at PrimeTime Audio Video, 6917 E. State St.

“With analog, you could get the in-between picture that was grainy. With digital, you either have enough signal or not. There’s no halfway point anymore,” said Dutton, PrimeTime’s general manager.

Rabbit ears that people were using with their old TVs may or may not work. Experts recommend trying them with the new converter boxes and then visiting antennaweb.org to research ideas.

Antennas can cost between $10 and $100, plus the installation charge for an outdoor antenna. Dutton said they can reach $500 to $600 if they include rotator pieces and more technology.

Reach staff writer Melissa Westphal at 815-987-1341 or mwestpha@rrstar.com.

What you need to know
What’s DTV? Digital television. By law, full-power TV stations in the U.S. must switch from analog to digital signals June 12. Stations in the Rock River Valley will switch to digital Feb. 17, the original deadline.

Why the change? Experts say the digital technology provides clearer pictures, better sound quality and more channels, and frees up the airwaves for future technology.

Who’s affected? Consumers who use antennas on TV sets that are equipped with analog tuners and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company TV service provider. Millions of TV sets risk losing their signals Feb. 17 or June 12.

How do I know if my TV has an analog or digital signal? Check your owner’s manual, call the manufacturer or visit the company’s Web site.

What are my options? Buy a TV set with a built-in digital tuner, buy converter boxes that translate the digital signal into the analog format for older sets, or subscribe to a pay-TV service, such as cable or satellite.

How much is a converter box? Converter boxes are available at major retailers for $40 to $70. Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for people who want to keep their analog sets after the digital transition, but money for that program has dried up. If more money becomes available, each household is allowed to receive up to two coupons worth $40 each, which can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

The coupons come in the form of gift cards; they’re good for 90 days, and you’re not allowed to reapply for them if they expire. Apply at dtv2009.gov or call the 24-hour hot line, 888-388-2009, to be put on a waiting list.

Where can I read more? The National Association of Broadcasters has set up a Web site, dtvanswers.com. You can check the status of your region and which antenna is best for your home at antennaweb.org. Also, visit the TV station Web sites: mystateline.com, wrex.com and wifr.com.

Where can I recycle my old TV? The Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Metals & Electronics Drive will accept them from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 at Machesney Park Mall, 8750 N. Second St. The charge is $20 a TV, which helps remove chemicals to make the TVs safer for recycling.