HTC Is Ready For The "Big Switch"

HTC is dedicated to supplying the best possible goods and services to our customers, which is reflected in our more than 50 years of experience in providing reliable communications products such as: cable television service; wireless cell phone service; Internet service; home security monitoring; and home phone service. And in case you haven't heard, the TV (cable included) industry is making a change for the better on June 12, 2009. On this date, all television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital format, and analog TV users may have some adjustments to make. This switch is required and affects all full powered television broadcasting stations that use an over-the-air signal including local stations such as WPDE, WBTW and WMBF. National channels such as ESPN, HGTV and others are not affected by this switch as they use satellite technology to deliver their signals.

Originally set to take place back in February, the "big switch" was delayed when the U.S. House of Representatives voted on February 4 to delay the switch to digital from the scheduled February 17 date to June 12. The Senate had already approved the bill, thus making way for President Obama to sign into action. The delay proposal was made amid concerns that millions of Americans were not ready for the Big Switch, thus allowing Americans more time to purchase digital converter boxes.

With just over one week until the "big switch," there is no need to panic, especially if you're already an HTC customer. Being an HTC customer, you're prepared for the switch and have nothing to worry about due to having HTC Digital Cable in your home, regardless of whether you have an older analog set or a new digital television.

However, if you're reading this and are not an HTC Digital Cable subscriber and are watching television via over-the-air signal with an antenna, you will be affected. To make sure you are prepared, you have a few options. The easiest and most convenient option would be to subscribe to HTC Digital Cable so that we can take care of all the necessary preparation for you. If subscribing to cable is not a viable option, you can also continue to receive your signal with an over-the-air antenna, but you might have to make a few adjustments.

Digital TV (DTV) is a newer form of technology for receiving TV broadcasts. It offers better picture and sound, as well as interactive features like online program guides. Broadcasters are already making the transition, sending TV in both analog and digital formats and some are only broadcasting in digital. TV manufacturers have also prepared for this, meaning you may already have a digital TV and not even know it.

There are certain terms to look for in your TV manual when figuring out if it is digital, such as:

• ATSC • Digital Tuner • Digital Receiver • DTV • HDTV

If your TV is labeled "digital ready," this doesn't mean you are safe. It means you will need to buy a digital-to-analog converter box, which costs anywhere from $50 to $75. There's a $40 coupon here to help offset this cost from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, but please be mindful that there may not be enough money to provide enough coupons for everyone. If you plan to buy a converter, get yours ASAP from your favorite electronics retailer.

Here at HTC, we're looking forward to the "big switch." Until next time, feel free to share your thoughts on what's happening at HTC in the "Talk Back" section below.

Best,

Tom