CableTV

Digital TV Conversion, Feb 2009

To understand the February 19, 2009 conversion to digital TV (DTV) broadcasting from analog TV broadcasting, one needs to understand what it is and what it isn't.

It is a conversion in the method that local television stations use to broadcast their signal to customers who receive it on an antenna. Customers who receive TV from METC will not need to worry about the conversion. We will handle it for you.

You may keep your current TV until it is worn out or you decide to replace it. If you have our cable service, you don’t need to replace your TV because of this conversion.

If you are a rural customer that cannot receive our cable service you may apply for coupons that you can use to purchase a converter box. The box will change the new digital signal received by your antenna into a signal your TV can ‘understand’ and you may view on your existing TV.

You can get more information about the coupon program at: www.dtvanswers.com or www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 888-388-2009.

It is not a requirement that all programming be in high definition (HD) format. HD is an enhanced format of digital TV that will continue to evolve, but this transition does not mean that all programming will be in HD.

The switch to DTV will enable television stations to offer dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality. In addition, DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is known as "multicasting".

Some of these additional channels MAY be broadcast in high definition (HD), but that is up to each broadcaster. Broadcasters may also provide more enhanced closed captioning services after the transition.

Channel Guide