You may have heard that in early 2009 television transmission will be revolutionized: it's going completely digital. Are you ready? Have you also gotten your government-issued discount coupons worth up to $40? If you rely on an antenna to receive programming, have you gotten your digital conversion box? If you have, then you are not one of the 16.3 percent of black households fully unprepared for the switch.
Here are more details from a public relations press release:
Those with analog TV sets using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears are at risk of losing their TV signal; one of the communities most in danger is African-Americans.
According to Nielsen data, 16.3 percent of African-American households are completely unready for the switch. This means you, your family, neighbors, elders, and friends may not know what the switch is, why or when it will happen, and how to prepare.
But beware. As you get ready for the switch and are looking to buy a digital converter box, be on guard for scammers looking to prey on the people making the change. Check out what the Better Business Bureau is warning us about - click here.
Nielsen data also shows that African-Americans continue to watch more television than the total U.S. composite. African-Americans watch 45 hours and 22 minutes of television per week. Total viewing among all households was 31 hours and 55 minutes per week and 27 hours and 13 minutes in Hispanic households.
Anyone using an analog television with a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears will find that their TVs will not work after February 17, 2009. Viewers with analog TVs using antennas have three options to keep their TVs working after the digital transition:
* Buy a certified converter box that will plug into your analog TV;
* Buy a TV with a digital tuner; or
* Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
Because this change will impact African-Americans, the Department of Commerce wants to make sure that we know and understand the options to prepare. One of the options being that the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, run by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of certified TV converter boxes and will mail coupons to those households requesting them. Coupon supplies are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. To date, more than 25.8 million coupons have been requested by 13.7 million households. There are 33.5 million coupons available for distribution. Purchasing a converter box is a one-time cost, and the boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70.
For more information on making the switch to digital and what it means check out the official site: www.dtv2009.gov
Comments: (11)
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By: chas jr on 9/22/2008 12:20PM
Its not so much the box but you better have good outdoor antenna.
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By: chas jr on 9/22/2008 12:20PM
I have two boxes that I purchase using the govt coupons .The problem is I live in an apt and getting reception is bad . I had to purchase an additional antenna from radio shack that cost more than the boxes combined and reception is still not all that good . Maybe the old tin foil ball on the ends might work better.
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By: BeeDee on 9/22/2008 1:32PM
From what I understand those with satellite and cable don't need to worry about it. Most black people I know use paid services. Very few still use any type of antennae (unless the cable company shut them down.)
Also, most new TVs (bought within the last year or so) are already digital so you don't need the converter box. With people switching to flat screens that covers another large portion of the population.
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By: ike on 9/22/2008 5:01PM
How in the hamsamich do they know that 16.this that and the other are not prepaired? Im a african american, 55yrs old and dont know a soul who dont have cable. Now im sure their all many who dont have cable, but I doubt if the went to the projects to knock on the doors to ask who dont!
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By: Dale on 9/22/2008 5:33PM
Be careful what kind of converter box you buy. I used one on the Magnavox that Walmart sells. Come to find out, it doesn't work with a rotor antenna. That is, it's OK until you turn your antenna, then you have to reprogram the box. And, once used, the coupon is gone - no refund on the coupon. So I did some research on the internet and the only converter box I could find that someone claimed would work with a rotor antenna was the DigitalStream sold by Radio Shack. I bought one and am happy with it! Since there's so little about how the different boxes work, try this: Buy whatever one you want outright. If it doesn't work, take it back. If it does work, take it back and buy it again with your coupon!
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By: anita l williams on 9/22/2008 8:17PM
I guess i just have to watch old vcr movies are dvd's because i just don't want to wait anymore fund when i don't have a decent job, to purchase such gimmicks like those baxes.
i said let well enough alone.
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By: anita l williams on 9/22/2008 8:11PM
leave well enough alone we don't want a box .
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By: MzChea on 9/23/2008 8:54AM
No because we have cable.
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By: JWilson on 9/23/2008 7:23PM
I also purchased a Magnaox, and my regrets are that: I can't return them for another brand. I still need the original TV remote to control volume,(which the DTV remote can't do), TV remote is needed to HELP turn on and off the TV, and since my TV is in my kitchen, every time I use the microwave it breaks up the sound and video until the cycle of the microwave is complete. I took advise from channel3 (Phila) for the "best to buy", only Magnavox has "2" models; I guess I got the wrong one. I sent the same info to DTV2009 to see if it matters. HaHa.
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By: Mike on 9/24/2008 8:26AM
I still don't see how the government, with the country stuck in a stupid war in Iraq, with a huge national debt, with countless homeless on the streets, dealing with rebuilding from disasterous hurricanes, and what have you, how they can find the time & effort to dictate and mandate how people are able to watch their televisions.
Where are their priorities, and how did they get so screwed up?
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