(Mobile, Ala) - Sept. 22 -- The switch to digital TV is less than five months away, and most people are realizing they probably don't need a new TV.
There's plenty of confusion and misinformation about this switch to digital television. The key isn't your TV, it's how you get your signal. "If you have cable or satellite, the switch won't affect you at all," NBC15 Engineer Bill Couch said. "The switch only affects you if you have an older TV with an analog tuner and you get your signal through an antenna."
If that's the case, there are three options: buy a converter box, buy a new TV with a digital tuner or subscribe to cable or satellite.
So take a look at the two TV's we have displayed in the video attached to this story. One is a flat screen with HD capability, and the other one, circa 1990. Run a cable line to either one, and they'll both work just fine this time next year.
Over the next 50 weeks, we'll take you through several scenarios to make sure you're prepared as we countdown to DTV.
The closer we get to the deadline, the more questions many of you have.
We'll answer your questions, both on and off the air.
Go to www.nbc15online.com and click on the DTV tab on the left hand side of the homepage.
There, you can catch every segment of this series and email me any questions you have.
The switch takes place Feb. 17, 2009. It will allow TV stations to offer clearer pictures, better sound quality and more programming choices.
