TV changing over to digital

By Nick Malawskey

On Friday, the last of the analog television transmissions will go off the air forever as the nation completes the transition to the new digital transmission guidelines.

According to the federal government’s information Web page, www.dtv.gov, several of the locally receivable over-the-air transmission television stations — WATM (ABC), WPSU (PBS), WJAC (NBC), WWCP (Fox), and WKBS (Christian) — have already made the change, switching off their analog transmitters over the last few months. CBS affiliate WTAJ is scheduled to make the transition Friday.

The change will only affect consumers who pick up television stations over the air — those still using antennas and “rabbit ears.” Cable and satellite subscribers will not be affected.

In order to continue to pick up broadcast signals, consumers who use antennas should have purchased a digital television converter box.

In February, Congress passed a law extending the deadline for the transition from Feb. 17 to Friday to allow for more consumers to upgrade their equipment by purchasing the digital converter box. For help or additional information, call 1-888-CALL-FCC or visit www.dtv.gov to find local events, assistance and information.