The Times

Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: News

The congressional-mandated digital conversion has many people looking at what options are available to make for the easiest transition possible.

Congress recently voted to extend the conversion date to June 12, giving millions of people who have yet to prepare for the switch from analog to digital television another four months. Controversy swirled after the government-funded converter box coupon program ran out of funds, leaving millions on a waiting list. The cost for each box ranges from $40 - $60. Most electronics retailers sell the converters.

DTV allows stations to offer better picture and sound quality and will be free of the "ghost" and "snow" that can affect analog transmissions. It also allows for watching several channels of programming at the same time, using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program. It offers the viewers more programming choices called multi-casting and interactive capabilities.

The new digital programming will not feature high definition unless the TV set already has that feature.

The reason for the mandated switch is so stations will have space for public safety communications, and so consumers can receive better wireless services, such as broadband.

Marissa Loredo decided to get her programming from the DirecTV network instead of using her antenna that doesn't offer good reception.

"I didn't want to get stuck without TV and I had to make a decision," Loredo said.

While some stations have already started from broadcasting digital, others will not begin until around the middle of March. This will give stations a chance to test and fix any problems that might occur prior to broadcasting a live feed.

The newly revised date will give local stations time to upgrade and prepare for the much anticipated switch to digital TV.

Julie Coan, director of communications for KHUT channel 8 Houston, said that meetings with other local stations have helped them better understand what is needed to comply with the mandate.

"We are working around the clock to get everything ready for the general public," Coan said.

As it is, PBS and other stations are not yet prepared to fully integrate a digital only system. The cost for a station to make the switch to DTV will reach in the millions. New equipment costs are the main problems for stations that are not yet ready for DTV.

"Right now, Houston is the most unprepared market in the country," Coan said.

KHUT will try to be fully capable by early June. The deadline allows other local stations the time to get up to speed with the regulations imposed by Congress.

Elvia Garcia, 22, had just bought a new plasma TV set when coupons for the converter boxes became unavailable. Prior to her new set, Garcia had an antenna set that was filled with signal problems. She hopes the digital signal will be worth the cost of her new equipment.

"I didn't want to be behind the times, and it was going to take too long to get a coupon" Garcia said.

Cable and satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to view digital programming. Anyone who is unsure of what they need, should contact their local cable and satellite providers.

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