Pocono News Section

Digital TV Conversion

Digital TV Conversion - Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 7:51PM EST

Reported by: Eric Scheiner
Thursday, Apr 24, 2008 @ 07:51pm EST
WILKES-BARRE -- February 17th 2009 is the day of the big digital conversion for broadcasting and many consumers are confused as to what that means for them.

Over 465-thousand households in Pennsylvania receive their television signal from home antennas. These people will be impacted the most as they will need an analog-to-digital converter attached to their TV and also to their VCR or DVR if they have one to watch and record signals. The government is giving every household 2 vouchers for these devices which allow for their purchase at a reduced price.

Most people who have a cable or dish television service will need no analog-to-digital device. Although you should keep up to date with your service provider as many channels may move to a digital tier that your current service does not provide. In order to receive those channels, an upgrade in service may be needed.

When deciding if your TV, DVR, VCR or other device will be compatible check and see if the product says "DTV", "Digital tuner built in", "ATSC" or "HDTV" markings on the product.

WYOU Interactive discusses the digital conversion and what consumers need to be aware of with Michael Lombardo of Best Buy and Ryan Harvey, Geek Squad TV Installer.