Dish it to Downing: Why Digital?

The deadline for broadcasters to convert to digital TV has been pushed back four months (to June 12th).

Some stations are still planning to go ahead and make the changeover next week as originally scheduled.

A lot of people have been planning for February 17th, as well.

Perhaps the delay will actually end up being a good thing, though.

I got an email this past week from a viewer who is angry about the poor TV reception he keeps getting.

He's using a converter box hooked up to a pair of analog sets, but says the quality of the signal is just terrible.

Part of the problem may be out signal.

We've had to operate at half power since the last big ice storm after a huge chunk of ice broke off our the tower and damaged a transmission line running from the tower to the transmitter.

Both KTAB's and KRBC's antennas are on that tower, so both stations have been temporarily affected.
 
A "patch" was installed and only those in outlying areas have had problems getting a clear signal.
 
We should be back at full power very soon.

In the meantime, remember this: the problem could be with you.

Perhaps your antenna isn't set right.

The most frequent complaint I get on "Dish It To Downing" is about digital TV: "Why can't I get better reception?" "Why is the picture fuzzy?", "Why isn't my reception as good as it is on analog?"

The answer, plain and simple is: "I don't know."

It could be any number of things.

The point is this: digital is brand new for me, too, and just like you, I am having to learn as I go.
 
Since signing on the air more than half a century ago, television has been transmitted in analog and we've all gotten used to it.

Having a reception problem?

Heck, just use the fine-tuning knob.

If that doesn't work, move the entenna around.

If all else fails, string aluminum foil between the "rabbit ears".

The government has been talking about converting to digital for more than 10 years, but it was the September 11th attacks that really prompted them to set a firm date.

First responders need the analog channels for communications and broadband needs the space for expanded service.

In exchange, when all the bugs are ironed out, you'll be getting a clearer pictures and better sound quality from your TV.

Signal quality is not just a local issue.

Many viewers are finding similar problems with their TV stations.

Broadcasters are aware as is the government.

The long and short of it, however, is that we're all going to have to be patient a little longer.

Hopefully, many of the problems we're currently having can be ironed out over the next four months.

We are trying to make the changeover as "seamless" as possible, but there will bound to be a few rough spots in the road until we do.