Birmingham’s digital TV transition: This concludes our broadcast day?
By Wade Kwon
If you have cable, or satellite, or Amish beliefs, stop reading: You’re not affected.
(Also, if you have a newfangled DTV-ready TV set, you can also stop reading.)
Otherwise, if you’re a TV watcher in Birmingham, you might still be confused about the digital TV transition. We certainly are. But we’re here to help.
If you currently watch regular broadcast television, the kind that comes in for free via antenna, your free ride may be coming to an end — though it may end either late Tuesday or June 12. Yeah, see, confusing.
The federal government has required TV stations to switch from analog to digital transmission. The switch was to take place at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, but the DTV Delay Act gives those stations the option to switch now or on June 12.
Conversion schedule
Switching 11:59 p.m. Tuesday:
- Alabama Public Television (WBIQ 10)
- CW21 (WTTO)
- My 68 (WABM)
Switching June 12:
So if you do nothing, starting Wednesday, you will not receive APT, CW21 or My 68 on your TV set.
Making the conversion
What do you need to do to keep receiving that sweet, sweet signal?
1. Either buy a DTV-ready TV set.
2. Or, buy a converter box. (The federal government has $40 coupons, but they take awhile to arrive. To order, visit the DTV Web site or call 1-888-388-2009.)
3. Connect antenna to converter box, then connect the box to old TV set.
For more assistance, the United Way of Central Alabama will help the estimated 36,000 area households make the conversion. To request help, call 211.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 9:57 pm
Just an FYI, Rabbit Ear Antenna or Dipole work best for the signal. This is an all or nothing signal, either you get an awesome picture or you get nothing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna
Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 12:12 am
I’m using a powered newfangled antenna. It’s OK, not great. Regular antenna wasn’t cutting it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 6:54 pm
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