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By February 17, 2009, all over-the-air broadcasters will switch from analog broadcasting to digital. The result is a cleaner picture and better sound, and allows broadcasters to provide more than one service, and less energy will be needed to cover the same area as the current analog signals.
This only affects those viewers who use an outdoor antenna or ‘rabbit-ears’ to receive their local television channels. Those viewers who subscribe to cable, satellite, or other television services will not be affected, and they need to do nothing to continue enjoying great television like RTN.
Most televisions built in the last five years already have the correct tuner built into them to receive these digital over-the-air channels. If you have one of these televisions, you are already prepared. If you do not, you will need to purchase a set-top convertor box so that you can continue to use your current television. These are available at most electronics stores, and the FCC is issuing coupons to help with the cost of purchasing these convertor boxes. You can find them here: http://www.dtv2009.gov
If you are watching RTN in your local market already, it is most likely that it is already being broadcast in the digital format as most RTN affiliates are already digital broadcasters. By February 17, 2009, all RTN affiliates will be broadcasting in digital. Again if you are watching RTN via Cable or Satellite then you will need to do nothing.
If you would like more information, check out the FCC website on this topic at http://www.dtv.gov or call them at 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322)
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