The Digital Switch

Ok, really truly it is coming. The digital switch is here. This Friday, June 12th TV stations all over the United States are turning off their analog channels in favor of digital stations. HOWEVER, there are some stations that are not switching. This is not because they don't want to or don't need to it's because they don't have to. Stations designated LP or low power are currently exempt from the digital switch. They will eventually switch too but not right now. So if you live in an area that is outside of a major city and watch your TV on a translator it may not be changing to digital. I know of at least 1 in my part of the world that will not be switching for now. I believe, and I could be wrong on this, that translators and LP stations have another 2 years to make the switch. So how do you get ready in the last 3 days for the digital switch?
There are several ways. First, buy a digital convertor box. If you live in an area that has digital and analog stations make sure you get a box that allows for analog passthrough as well. Second, you could switch to satelite or cable. Both are essentially immune to the digital switch, as they are either doing the translation for you or you already recieve a digital signal from them. Third, you can get a new digital recording device (like VCR/DVD combo, DVD recorder or even a DVR). This will allow you to recieve digital channels through your VCR or DVD recorder but not through your TV, so if you're watching something different than you're recording you're out of luck. Finally, and the option that I chose and the one I think is the best, get a new TV. New digital LCD TV's range from $200-$4000 depending on what you want and what brand you get. I recommend you go to Consumer Reports and check out their ratings. In addition to a new TV and/or new digital recorder you will likely need a new antenna. The title of this blog links to Antennaweb.org which will tell you what antenna works best for your area and which direction you should point the antenna. As far as TV brands go personally, I'm partial to the big names, Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony. Although I have heard good things about Vizio, Westinghouse and some of the smaller brands. Remember when it comes to LCD TV's only a few companies make the panels it's the extra components and menu's that are different across brands.
In addition to a new TV I got a digital recorder in the form of a DVD recorder so I don't need a convertor box for my VCR (a good thing given how many stations I record from in the same night).

All this to say that you need to get ready for the switch. If you don't on June 12th, your TV will begin displaying nothing but static.

Before I go I'll also give the channel lineup as I know it for the Portland, OR metro. 2.1 KATU-DT, 2.2 THIS, 6.1 KOIN-DT, 8.1 KGW-HD, 8.2 KGW Weather Plus, 10.1 OPB-HD, 10.2 OPB-SD (if you get a convertor box this is the best OPB for you), 10.3 OPB-Create, 10.4 OPB-Radio, 12.1 KPTV-DT, 17.1 KORK-DT (anticipated on June 12th, I'm not recieving this right now it's on analog 35), 22.1 ION-DT, 22.2 Qubo (by NBC), 22.3 Ion-Life, 22.4 Worship, 24.1 TBN-DT, 24.2 TBN-Church, 24.3 TBN-JCTV, 24.4 TBN-Spanish, 24.5 TBN-Kids, 32.1 KRCW-DT, 32.2 US-DT, 49.1 KPDX-DT (on June 12th). If I missed any I'm sorry. One last thing, on Friday when you get a minute no matter what box you have use the menu to re-scan for all channels you recieve. Once you're done you should be all set. Thanks for reading and happy viewing.