October 2, 2008

Charlotte, NC -- As the transition to digital television (DTV) nears, residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg are being encouraged to learn about how the conversion may affect them before the transition is made on February 17, 2009. When the switch to digital takes place, the ability to receive television programming depends on whether or not the consumer's TVs are DTV ready. For residents who do not have cable or satellite service and use TVs that depend on rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna to receive television programming, a converter box will be needed for each TV.

According to Doris Boris, Cable Communications Administrator for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the converter box actually replaces the analog tuner on the TV set, which essentially makes it a digital tuner. "If you're connected to the cable system and the cable system is up and operational, your ability to view television programming would not be interrupted at all; the cable operator does the transition for you," Boris explained. "The only time you would have to worry is if the cable or satellite system goes out in an emergency; and you want to get emergency or other information, then you have to have a box. We recommend that everyone have at least one box in their home or a digital TV," she added.

The converter box can be purchased at almost any retail outlet. Prices run from $40 to $70 dollars, depending on the types of service provided by the box. Each household in the U.S. is eligible for two coupons to save $40 on each converter.  Residents can apply for the coupon through the DTV website at www.dtv.gov  or by calling the 800 number at 1-800-388-2009. The coupon is good for 90 days.

Area residents can learn first-hand about the conversion and provide comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at a public workshop being sponsored by the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the Southeast Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors. The free event will be held Thursday, October 16 at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the DTV Road Show truck will be at the Government Center to provide information about converter boxes. Local broadcasters and cable operators will be on-hand to talk about their services, and Charlotte's Solid Waste Services Department will provide information about how to properly dispose of or recycle old televisions. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the council chambers, Kevin Martin, Chairman of the FCC, along with other stakeholders, including David Rehr, president of the National Association of Broadcasters, will speak at a community forum addressing questions and concerns related to the DTV transition. For more information about DTV Day at the Government Center, call 704-336-8567.

To learn more about the DTV transition, visit the DTV website at www.dtv.gov, or call 1-800-388-2009. Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents can also visit www.charmeck.org for DTV information and links to both the FCC and National Telecommunications Information Administration.

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