Dealing with the DIGITAL DEADLINE

High-tech television is a big part of Paul Lewis' day, but he's "stuck in the stone ages" with his home set.

In nine months he'll be stuck with white, static snow instead of a picture, if he doesn't upgrade for the government-mandated digital TV transition - a dramatic overhaul of the nation's full-power, over-the-air broadcasting

As manager of Rex TV and Appliances, Lewis oversees the daily sales of high-definition plasma and LCD TVs - by night, he pulls the free, analog programming of FOX and CBS over his home antenna.

"I use rabbit ears - I'm a poor boy," he said. "I'm trying to save some money here."

The deadline for all full-power TV stations to begin digital broadcasting (DTV) is Feb. 17. On that date, the analog signal is cut off for Lewis and all Americans who currently use it watch their favorite programs on the boob tube.

The change, while confusing to some people, only affects those using an older TV set without a built-in digital tuner.

Lewis said he's heard accusations of conspiracy from customers who think the digital transition is a government attempt to increase TV sales. While buying a new TV is a viable option, it's not completely necessary, said Todd Sedmak, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Commerce TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

There are really three simple options for the new, enhanced viewing experience: buy a new TV with a digital tuner, connect your analog TV to a cable or satellite service or buy a converter box.

"People don't have to go out and buy a new TV," Sedmak said. "The converter box is a very affordable, one-time cost so people can experience digital TV right now."

The converter boxes range from $50 to $80 and some models include features like a smart antenna for a stronger signal or an analog pass-through option for receiving low-power TV stations, which aren't required to make the February switchover.

Sedmak said the U.S. government is offering coupons for $40 off the cost of a converter box, available online or by phone - more than 1 million of them have been used nationwide with more than 2,500 of those in Odessa ZIP codes.

"Please don't wait - experience the digital transition now," he said. "Coupons have a 90-day expiration, so start doing your comparison shopping now before you get your coupon."

More than 11,000 retailers nationwide carry the converter boxes, Sedmak said, including major chains like Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sears and Wal-Mart.

The digital transition will offer additional programming with a crystal-clear picture instead of the snowy, choppy reception previously received through analog antennas.

The real purpose of the change, however, is to benefit homeland security and pave the way for newer telecommunications services, Sedmak said.

"The switch to digital will allow us to use more of the nation's airwaves more efficiently for public safety communication," he said. "They'll be able to communicate on the same system."

Also, several communications companies have purchased a portion of the broadcast spectrum for $19 billion, Sedmak said, which was paid to the U.S. Treasury for deficit spending reduction and funding of the coupon program.

Futuristic technology could result from the freed-up airwaves, like the ability to purchase snacks from a vending machine using a cell phone.

"It's going to be a new era," Sedmak said.

The DTV transition won't change things for analog customers of Cable One or Grande Communications, or require any additional purchases, company officials said.

"We've got a lot of calls, but if they're already our cable customer, they don't need to worry," Cable One general manager Terri Hale said. "We're going to change the signal back to analog for those customers."

Mark Machen, vice president general manager of Grande Communications, said the change isn't an issue for his company, but it will bring about a better format of broadcasting for the industry.

"Today, if you are a Grande expanded customer, after February 2009 you will see absolutely no change," he said. "The only people this affects are people with antennas."

The circumstances, or lack of information, may be an excuse for some people to upgrade their television, but Lewis said he's not complaining and expects digital TV sales to increase into 2009.

"Business has been going great - we're selling TVs every day," Lewis said. "Most people have cable or satellite anyway, but I'm going to have to get the converter box."

ON THE NET:
>> TV Converter Box Coupon Program: www.DTV2009.gov

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
>> Buy a certified converter box that will plug into your analog TV.
>> Buy a TV with a digital tuner.
>> Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

NEED A COUPON?
>> Coupons for $40 off the cost of a converter box are available at www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 888-388-2009.
>> Coupons have a 90-day expiration and will not be renewed.