Published: June 10, 2009 10:59 am      

Digital television transition set for Friday

Get your televisions ready. It’s almost here.

After some delay, the much discussed digital TV transition finally goes into effect on Friday.

Many people will never notice the difference as they continue to enjoy their favorite television programs. But for those viewers still using an analog television and an antenna to receive their TV signals, things will change.

Not all analog customers will be able to make the switch without a hitch. According to the FCC, to receive digital TV signals from all stations, your antenna should be able to pick up both VHF and UHF channels. Physically moving that antenna may also prove to be a necessary step toward receiving the best possible digital signals.

That being said, one thing is for sure. If you’re receiving your television signals through an antenna, you’ll need a digital converter box. The government is offering two $40 value coupons to every household toward the purchase of these converter boxes. If you haven’t done so yet, you can receive more information about these coupons at www.dtv2009.gov. These coupons can be requested until July 31.

The www.dtv2009.gov Web site lists a number of retailers that sell the converter box, including 10 local retailers within 10 miles of Lockport.

Most converter boxes — multiple manufacturers will offer versions of the box — will cost between $40 and $70.

Around the time of this writing, nationwide, about 42 percent of all affected channels have already made the transition to digital TV. Locally, WUTV, WNED and WNYB have already made the switch.

For those with newer TVs: All TVs manufactured after March 1, 2007 are required to come with a digital tuner. Some TVs manufactured before that date also come equipped with digital tuners, which enable viewers to receive the signals unimpeded.

Some consumers may believe that high-definition TVs are required to receive digital signals, but they have nothing to do with the digital transition. HDTVs will accept digital signals, but they’re not required equipment, so think twice before dropping four figures on a new television set.

For more information on the switch, visit www.dtv.gov.