Source photo by Deanna Rose

Beginning Feb. 17, 2009, the DTV transition requires that all over-the-air television broadcasts must be transmitted in digital signals rather than analog. The over-the-air broadcasts are the basic channels viewed when not hooked up to any cable service - like channels 2, 4, 7, 50 and 62 - which usually call for antennas to be used for a clearer picture.

For televisions not connected to cable or satellite - as in motor homes, for instance - there are two options to survive the DTV transition, besides ordering a cable service. First, a digital-to-analog converter box can be purchased to hook up to the television, as long as the TV has a cable jack. Or, newer televisions that have digital tuners in them to convert the digital signal will continue to work without having to purchase a converter or cable service.

According to Ryan Clift from Best Buy, the best way to determine if a television has a digital tuner in it is to look at the unit’s remote control. If it has a dash or a dot on one of the buttons near the channel numbers, that means the set has a digital tuner.

The federal decision to end analog broadcasting was created to make additional room on busy airwaves, now that television signals are being transmitted in analog, digital and high definition. For instance, a normal channel 7 may technically have the channels of 7.1, 7.2, etc., for each type of signal - which is where the remote with the dot or dash on it for a television equipped with a digital tuner comes in handy.

Patrick Paterno, Comcast director of communications for the Michigan region, said cable customers will not have to subscribe to digital services to view channels after the DTV switch. As long as the TV has cable connected to it, even without the box, service will not be interrupted.

“The digital transition is really for people that have Œrabbit ears,’” Paterno said.

PEG channels - going digital or not?

However, uncertainly lingers over the fate of the PEG channels for Comcast customers. In January, Comcast proposed to move the community government and schools programming from their locations in lower-numbered channels to channels in the 900s. However, United States District Judge Victoria A. Roberts, of the Eastern District of Michigan, granted a motion for a temporary restraining order that prohibited the cable provider from relocating PEG channels.

Because the court case is ongoing, Paterno said he could not comment on the possibility of relocating the PEG channels - but the Comcast representative did say the company is currently working with the court on a solution.

“Comcast is committed to working cooperatively with those local partners to ensure efficient PEG delivery,” Paterno released in a statement.

Similarly, legislation that was created to stop Comcast’s move of PEG channels has halted in moving forward while the court case is under consideration. State Rep. Tory Rocca, D-Sterling Heights, introduced HB 5667 back in January, but the bill has come to a standstill in committee.

“The most positive thing right now is that nothing is happening,” Rocca said. Although 59 House members co-sponsored the bill with him, Rocca said the bill was tabled because, “Comcast doesn’t like it.”

Rocca introduced the bill because the court decision was only temporary and he wanted to ensure Comcast would have to abide by a law prohibiting the movement of PEG channels. However, the legislature is not acting on the bill while it awaits a court decision.

“A lot of members still support it, but because Comcast opposes it, the bill will most likely not get a hearing and not get a vote,” Rocca said. “They’ve done a very effective job of bottling this up.”

Additional information

Coupons for the converter boxes are offered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, through an application process. Each household is eligible to receive two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of two digital-to-analog converter boxes for use on televisions that currently use antennas.

The converters are generally between $60 and $80, available at Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart, and can be used on any television with a cable jack on it. Applications for the coupons are available at www.dtv2009.gov, and can either be submitted online or printed and mailed in. Or customers may apply by phone at 888-DTV-2009. Coupons are only valid for 90 days and must be applied for by March 31, 2009.

Informational forums have been and will continue to be offered. For instance, the Sterling Heights Public Library will host another question-and-answer session in June. Call 446-2644 or visit www.shpl.net for more information. In addition, Paterno said Comcast will offer additional panels for those who have questions. Dates and locations have yet to be determined, he said.

Also, Best Buy has set up a phone line especially for those who have questions about the DTV question. Call 877-BBY-DTV9 to speak with a live representative.

To learn more online, visit www.dtv2009.gov or www.michigandtv.com