Ivan Penn: Clear channel to digital TV conversion

By Ivan Penn, Times Staff Writer
In print: Saturday, May 3, 2008

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Call this DTV2009 Part III.

Consumers still trying to figure out the digital conversion, this chart should help.

Come Feb. 17, 2009, broadcast stations begin transmitting in all digital.

The change is meant to free up the airwaves for emergency responders by using the precise digital communication of computers rather than the more erratic analog transmission.

But making the leap can be confusing, particular for those with multiple TV sets, because local cable companies are treating the conversion in different ways.

Verizon and Knology plan to send explanatory letters to their customers over the next 90 days. Viewers using analog TVs with rabbit ears or outside antennas will need a digital converter box that costs $39.99 to $80.

The federal government offers $40 coupons to help buy them. Visit www.dtv2009.gov or call toll-free 1-888-388-2009 to apply.

If you have a receiver box with your digital or analog TV, don't worry. If you don't, here's how the conversion might affect you on Feb. 17, 2009.
*Premium packages vary by provider and include such channels as HBO and Showtime.

	Digital TV without receiver box	Analog TV without receiver box
Bright House	No changes needed for basic cable. *Premium channels require a receiver.	No changes needed. Bright House handles the conversion at its end. Basic channels are covered for TVs plugged into cable outlets. A receiver is needed for "premium" or digital channels.
Verizon	Requires a built-in digital tuner for basic channels. Verizon provides a box to current customers. Premium channels require an upgraded box.	Requires a digital converter box for basic local channels. Verizon will give the box to current customers. New customers pay $3.99 a month to rent a box for basic channels when Verizon goes all digital. Premium channels require an upgraded box .
Knology	Nothing needed for basic cable. To receive *premium channels, a receiver is required.	No changes required. Knology handles the conversion at its end. Basic channels are covered for TVs plugged into cable outlets. A receiver is needed for "premium" channels.
Direct TV	Satellite channels require receivers. Without a receiver, a built-in tuner and antenna are required.	Without a receiver analog TVs require a converter box and antenna.
Antenna	Will receive limited local channels as long as the TV has a built-in digital tuner.	Requires a digital converter box.