Athens Review, Athens, Texas

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October 3, 2008

Seminar to address digital TV changes

By Lauren Ricks STAFF WRITER

The age of analog television is nearing the end.

All television stations will switch from an analog to a digital signal on Feb. 17, 2009. In advance of the switch, Kerry Harris Satellite Service will be hosting a series of free informational seminars beginning Oct. 7 at the Cain Center.

“The analog signal is kind of like radio waves,” he said.

Harris said a seminar will be held once a month until February.

“A lot of people are confused about the transition,” he said. “They think it has to be high definition. They think they have to get a new TV.”

Harris said the seminars aim to educate the public on how the transition will affect them.

“I’m preparing for 50 to 75 people,” he said.

The seminar will be held in three sessions: 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“I think it will be a very informative seminar for the public,” Harris said.

He said Dish Network will bring a van with televisions to demonstrate what digital signals and high definition television looks like.

Harris said customers of either Dish Network or Direct TV will not be affected by the change.

“If you have satellite TV you already have 100 percent digital,” he said. “Nothing will change on your TV.”

Suddenlink Media Director of Corporate Communications Gene Regan said its customers will not be affected either.

“Any TV set, old or new, hooked up to Suddenlink communication service should not be affected by this transition,” Regan. “We’ve made the necessary changes in our system to accommodate the transition for our customers.”

Harris said a TV converter box can be purchased for about $60 to convert the signal back to an analog signal.

He said the government has $40 coupons available to any United States household. Each household is eligible to receive two coupons between Jan 31, 2008, and March 31, 2009. Harris said if a converter is bought with the coupon, it costs about $20 plus tax per box.

He said the coupons are available to anyone.

“They just ask you a bunch of questions,” Harris said. “Everybody qualifies.”

To request a coupon go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.

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