General Topics
Embracing the Power of Digital Television

Jul 16, 2008

Embracing the Power of Digital Television

by Mac Wall, KET Executive Director

TV as we've known it is about to change. By February 17, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission is requiring all TV broadcasters to turn off their analog transmitters and broadcast only in digital.

This is arguably the biggest change in the history of television-bigger even than the change from black and white to color. As Kentucky's statewide educational television network, KET is fulfilling its obligation to ensure that no one is left behind during this transition.

It's not too early to ask the question: Am I ready for digital television?

The good news is the majority of people should not have to do anything in order to continue receiving television signals after the transition deadline. If you receive television from cable or satellite, the conversion will take place with your provider. That means there will be no interruption in service, even if you have an older analog TV.

If you have an analog TV and receive your television signals over the air through an antenna, you will need to take action.

You may decide to subscribe to a pay service. Or, to continue receiving free over-the-air TV, you may choose to purchase a digital TV or a digital TV converter box for each of your analog TVs. These boxes typically cost $40 to $60. The federal government is offering free coupons to help defray the cost of these boxes. You can request up to two $40 coupons by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 or visiting www.dtv2009.gov.

To receive digital TV signals with your digital TV or converter box, please note that antenna placement and location can be factors in digital signal reception. You may need to move your antenna to a higher location or upgrade your antenna.

Join us in educating every Kentucky household about the digital TV transition! Even if you are already prepared, KET encourages you to check with your family members, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure that they are not 'left behind' with analog TVs that will not receive signals after February 17, 2009.

KET's mission is to educate, inspire and connect Kentucky. KET has tapped the power of digital TV so that schools can more easily receive valued educational programming.

KET delivers five digital services, including a high-definition channel, to all of Kentucky. KET's latest digital offering, the Kentucky Channel, provides programs by, for and about Kentuckians. It's a single destination to explore our heritage, celebrate our arts and culture, engage in the legislative process, and feel proud of this wonderful place we call home.

Now is the time to begin thinking about what you, your family members, friends and neighbors may need to do in order to be prepared for the digital TV transition. To help guide you, KET is providing two valuable resources: our informative Web site, available at www.ket.org/dtv, and a toll-free DTV help line, 1-866-291-8189.

With its improved picture and sound quality and ability to deliver more channels than previously possible, digital television will forever change how we view TV. Start preparing for the transition so you can continue to receive the KET programming you enjoy and take advantage of the digital revolution.