Are You Ready for DTV?

Are you ready for the switch to DTV(digital television)? Ready or not, the last day for television stations to broadcast in analog is Friday, June 12. People who have an analog television will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set, and to see the additional channels that local stations are offering. Help is available at www.dtv.gov or 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

If you already have a digital television that relies on an antenna, you should to a double rescan on June 13 (the day after the transition) to make sure you are getting all the available channels.

Follow these four steps:
1. Unplug the antenna from the converter box.
2. Scan for channels.
3. Plug antenna back into the converter box.
4. Rescan for channels.

If you subscribe to cable service, the DTV transition should not affect you. Since reports indicate the switch is more likely to affect senior citizens, this is a great opportunity for families to help older neighbors or relatives. Children love to help others and they also love technology, so this is a win-win for everyone.

If the transition leaves you without a working TV, my advice is not to be too worried. You are always welcome to use the library to find great materials to entertain and inform your entire family. Here are a few TV related suggestions:

Inventing the Television
Richter, Joanne
J 621.388 RIC

Movie Acting
Horn, Geoffrey M.
J 791.43028

So You Want To Be a Film or TV Director?
Dunkleberger, Amy
J 791.430233 DUN

Michael J. Fox: Courage for Life
Kramer, Barbara
J 791.43028 FOX, MICHAEL J.

Shirley Temple
Bankston, John
J 791.43028 TEMPLE, SHIRLEY

Meet The Blob
Murdico, Suzanne J.
J 791.437 BLO