Being Prepared for the Digital Change

By now, we’ve all seen the commercials, heard the radio ads, or read stories in the local newspaper: At midnight on February 17, 2009, television sets across the country, including South Jersey, will only be able to receive a digital signal as television stations cease broadcasting in analog format. Residents who rely on over-the-air signals for their television programming and have an analog-only television set will need to acquire a Digital Television (DTV) converter box to continue to receive local broadcast signals. This national standard is a critical step in the move towards the digital age, and consumers must be prepared for that change.

In 2005, Congress mandated the conversion from analog to digital in order to free up airway signals for emergency communications between first responders. This is a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and I support our ongoing efforts to increase communication between first responders at the local, state and federal level during a natural disaster or other national emergency event through the compatibility of radio systems and reduction of interfering signals. Furthermore, with additional airwaves readily available, new wireless internet services will be promoted for rural and underserved communities.

When mandating the changeover from analog to digital, Congress created a coupon program to help offset the cost for consumers. Each converter box – which costs between $50 to $70 on average - will permit an analog-only television to receive and display the new digital signals. All households across South Jersey are now eligible to apply for and receive two $40 coupons under the government-sponsored program, each of which may be used to purchase a converter box for analog television sets in their home. Converter boxes should already be available locally at national retailers such as Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart.

However, not every household will need a converter box - if your television is connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service, it does not require a converter box. Likewise, if your television was purchased since 2004, it is likely that it will include a built-in digital tuner and should not require the equipment. And, rest assured, VCRs, DVD players, TiVo and similar accessories that currently work on your analog television will still function properly if the converter box is appropriately connected.

Thus, with three months left before the switch from analog to digital television transmission, I am urging South Jersey residents who don’t want to part with their “rabbit ears” to request a government-sponsored coupon that can help defray the costs of the DTV converter box. Information on the DTV program can be found at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009. South Jersey residents having trouble with acquiring their government-sponsored coupon can also call my Mays Landing office at 609-625-5008 or toll-free at 1-800-471-4450 for assistance.

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