DTV Transition

The recently passed delay in the DTV transition from analog television means less content will be available to over the air broadcast antenna consumers until June 12, 2009, while delaying the important move to communication channels for First Responders, i.e. Police, EMT, and Fire departments as well as additional interdepartmental communication in emergencies.

The delay allows for broadcaster to continue to send analog signals until June 12, 2009.

However the reason the President and Congress gave for the delay was the lack of digital to analog converter box coupons being available to the public.  As of February 1, 2009, 3.7 million requests for coupons were on a National Telecommunication and Information Administration waiting list.  No additional funds were made available, nor did the manufacturers of the digital converter boxes have adequate time to adjust their manufacturing schedule for the delay.  Converter boxes are available for purchase from major electronics retailers such as Best Buy and Radio Shack, as well as from Electronic Systems Contractors. 

Here in West Central Ohio, most residential households have cable, i.e. Time-Warner or Bright.net, Satellite, Dish or Direct, or Watch TV, which sends signals via short Microwave bursts.  The balance of households receive their television via over the air antennas.  By purchasing either a newer television receiver or a digital converter box, not only can they receive over the air current channels in digital, but additional content and channels, thus expanding their overall viewing selections.

R L Johnson Construction Services, LLC (www.rljohnsonconstruction.com) electronic systems division, Elite Systems Solutions (www.EliteSystemsSolutions.com) has technicians available to assist consumers in making the digital conversion.  Elite Systems Solutions offers a range of DTV conversion specials that are simple, fast and affordable.  For $79.00, Elite will install a consumer supplied Digital converter box to an existing television, dress the wires and help instruct the consumer in the operation of the Converter box.  For $169.00, Elite will provide one (1) Digital Converter box, professional installation, connection of up to three (3) additional components, i.e. DVD or gaming console, dress the wires and one year installation warranty.

Additional information about the DTV transition can be found at www.digitaltips.org and www.dtvtransition.org.  Consumers that may need assistance connecting their own converter boxes to their existing televisions can find instructions at www.ceaconnectionsguide.com and about antennas at www.antennaweb.org.

If you have any questions please contact me at Installer@EliteSystemsSolutions.com or at (419) 568-9096.