2 Cents - DTV and what it means to you

You will hear this editorial and hear us talk about the digital switch and DTV many times before February 17, 2009 … Why? Because that’s when all full-power television stations nationwide must stop using the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format.

What does this mean to you? 

If you have cable or satellite television or another paid TV service … then you’re fine. No worries.

It you have a new TV set with a built in digital tuner … then you’re fine. No worries.

However, if you don’t subscribe to a paid service and you still use an antenna to watch TV on a set with an analog tuner - then on February 17th you will no longer be able to tune in any television channels on your TV set.

What should you do before February to make sure you do not lose your television reception?

You have a 3 options.

First, if you sign up for cable or satellite service, you will receive the local digital channels carried by your particular provider. Please check with them for the channels they are carrying before you sign up.

Second, you can purchase a new TV set with a built-in digital tuner. An inexpensive antennae attached to your new TV will allow you to watch many local digital signals including WCBD and our digital only channel the Low Country CW.

Finally, if you do not want to buy a new TV set, then you can purchase a DTV converter box for your existing TV set.  In fact, the government will give you a coupon to help pay for that converter.  For an easy link to order your converter box coupon from the government and more information about the digital switch visit counton2.com … enter keyword DTV. 

When you connect an inexpensive antenna to the converter box and the converter box to the TV you will also receive all the local digital channels I mentioned before.

It’s important to remember, you will have to set the converter box to scan to find your local digital channels.  In fact, you may even have to repeat this step several times before you pick up reception.

Also, many parts of our analog viewing area will simply not be able to pick up the new digital channels.  If you live in Horry, Clarendon, Orangeburg, Bamberg, Hampton, Jasper, or Beaufort counties, you may live outside the reach of our digital single unless you have a roof mount antenna..   

No matter which option you choose, your viewing will be enhanced. It’s not as difficult as it sounds and we are here to help.

I’m Rick Lipps and that’s my 2 cents.