Consumers urged to make the DTV switchby Jim Pinkerton (jmpinkerton@wsbt.com)
These side by side TVs demonstrate the difference in quality between analog and digital signals. The switch to digital will provide more analog signal space to provide better communication for emergency workers. (WSBT photo) You've no doubt seen the warning on TV. We're now six months away from the switch to digital TV. Multimedia Related Content
We've gotten a lot of Good Questions about the transition. Congressman Fred Upton was in Benton Harbor Wednesday to answer some of them. The DTV switch was one of the major recommendations to come out of the 9/11 Commission. It urged Congress to provide more analog signal space to provide better communication for emergency workers. "[To] provide ultimately, the proper wave lengths for our law enforcement and first responders that have to respond to whatever the national need may be," explained Rep. Upton. But as the deadline approaches, a lot of people have not made the switch. The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) said there's reason to make the switch early. "Right now, your local television stations are delivering digital signals,” said Karole White from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. “So when you go out and buy a converter box, you are getting additional channels." To demonstrate the difference in quality, she referenced identical TVs side by side with identical antennas. The only difference is the converter box receiving the digital signal. A recent survey conducted by Michigan State University showed 100 percent of those surveyed knew about the transition, but only 56 percent had taken action. Part of the delay may be fear, so the MAB is encouraging people to help others. "Look around your community, your own family, your churches,” said White. “Look at the people that are most vulnerable for not making the transition on their own and help them.” Remember if you have cable, satellite or a Digital TV, you don't have to do anything. Your provider will do everything for you. For more information, click on Ready, Set, Know: Making the switch to digital television Most Popular
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