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Press Releases

For Immediate Release:
June 8, 2009
 

Petri Expecting TV Digital Transition Complaints

 

This Friday, at various times during the day, TV stations all across the country will shut down the analog signals that have been used since the 1940s and instead broadcast solely in the modern digital format.  As a result, Rep. Tom Petri says he expects to hear from  frustrated constituents.

"Surveys indicate that there are still a fair number of homes which rely on over-the-air TV service but which haven't prepared for the switch," Petri said.  "People who get TV from a cable company or by satellite dish shouldn't be affected, but those who rely on over-the-air transmissions need to have either a new, digital TV or else a converter box to translate the new signals into the type that older TVs can handle."

Even with a converter box, many viewers will have problems.  "You have to have the right antenna for the new signal - both VHF and UHF, and up to 30 feet tall in more remote areas," Petri said.  "Digital signals don't fade the way analog signals do.  With the new signals there will be no TV 'ghosts' and no 'snow.'  You will either get a high-grade signal or none at all."

"None at all" is especially a concern for people who live on the fringes of broadcast markets.  "While everybody is supposed to be able to receive broadcasts, Adams County, for example, is on the edge of the Madison, La Crosse and Wausau markets.  I've already heard from people there who have bought converter boxes and put up antennas but still can't get a signal."

Even some of those who have been watching the digital signals currently being transmitted are in for a shock when they turn on their TVs Friday or Saturday.  "Current digital signals are being transmitted on temporary channel licenses during the transition.  When the analog signal is switched off, TV stations will switch their digital signals to new channels.  This means that if you have a converter box or a TV with a digital tuner you will need to re-scan to locate the signals in their new, permanent places on the broadcast spectrum," Petri said.

Petri noted that the Federal Communications Commission has 4,000 agents answering its free digital transmission hotline at 1-888-CALLFCC.

"The agents will walk you through the process of setting up your converter box and antenna," he said.  "If that doesn't work, they will send someone out to install up to two converter boxes free of charge.  You do have to provide your own boxes and antenna, however."

Free $40 coupons to help with the purchase of converter boxes will continue to be available after the transition date.

Further information on the TV transition and how to prepare for it can be found at:  https://dtv.gov/.