Get ready for the digital television transition
Help with converter boxes available on Friday

SEATTLE - City officials will hold an informational meeting about the change from analog to digital broadcast transmission at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29 at the Central Area Senior Center, located at 500 30th Ave. S.

Those who use an antenna to receive a television picture must take action before June 12 or they will lose reception. That's the day that full power television stations stop analog broadcast and switch completely to digital.

"Local broadcasters and city departments have been telling viewers about the upcoming digital TV transition for more than a year," said Mayor Greg Nickels. "Now it's nearly here, and we're making a final push to make sure everyone is ready."

Televisions with antennae are used more often by elderly, low-income and minority communities.

There are several options that will ensure continued TV reception. The least expensive choice for most people will be to purchase a converter box that enables an analog television set to receive a digital signal. Converter boxes are available at most retail stores that sell electronic devices.

Representatives from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the city of Seattle will discuss the federal program that provides free coupons to offset $40 of the purchase price of a converter box. They also will demonstrate how to hook up the converter box to a television set. A list of vendors who can provide over-the-phone or inhome installation assistance will be provided.

On May 21 the FCC held a nationwide "soft test" designed to encourage consumers to take immediate action to prepare for the June 12 digital TV transition. More than 55,000 calls were made to the FCC's national help line, with half the callers wanting information on the converter coupon program. While figures for the Seattle area are not available, Nielsen estimates that about 3.3 million households nationwide - 2.9 percent of U.S. households with TVs - remained unready for the transition as of May 10.

"This change in the way we watch television presents difficulty for some households. With that in mind, they should know that help is readily available from the mayor's office, my office, the Office of Cable Communications and numerous community groups committed to helping our city," said City Councilmember Bruce Harrell.

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Office of the Mayor