Jun 4, 2009 5:32 pm US/Central
Get Free Help To Set Up Your Digital Converter Box
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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A digital to analog converter box can be used to allow an older television to recieve new, digital TV signals
CBS
The big digital switch is just around the corner. Are you ready? If not, you have eight days. If you have a digital TV or get your signal from a cable company, you're fine. But if you use an antenna on an older analog TV, you'll need a digital converter box. But as CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker found out, you can get help setting it up for free.
After you purchase your converter box, it's time to install it.
The industry's conversion to digital TV and the much needed converter box has been the butt of many jokes, including a clip that's been viewed more than 50,000 times on YouTube.
The video is funny, but consumer advocates say next Friday, if your converter box is not connected, you won't be laughing.
"Chicagoans need to understand if they are not prepared for the conversion, they will not have access to television on Saturday, June 13th," said Norma Reyes, Chicago's Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Most viewers won't have a problem because they either have satellite or cable, and don't need a box. But the FCC says 500,000 households in the Chicago area use an old-fashioned antenna. Of those 75,000 either don't have a box, or like Alexandra Daldo, couldn't figure out how to install it.
"We're not the most technical people ever," Daldo said. "We're having some difficulties understanding the directions."
To the rescue: contractors working for the FCC. The visits are free. All you have to is call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC and tell them you need help. Or you can get assistance at one of the help centers that are being set up across the city.
After visiting a help center, consumer Wilma Ward felt confident she could install the converter box on her own.
"The explanation is pretty clear," Ward said. "I have a friend and she did hers, and she's a senior citizen. So I think I can do it."
If you still need a converter box, you can find them at numerous stores. They cost $40 to $70, but it's not too late to get a $40 coupon from the FCC.
Click here to apply online for a coupon or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
You can also pick up one of the brochures from the help centers. They're in Spanish and English. They also spell out the instructions on how to install the converters.
To learn more about the digital switch, visit
http://cbs2chicago.com/digital
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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