SAXTON B. LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
319 Route 87 Columbia, CT 06237
Phone: 860 228 0350 Fax: 860 228 1569 E-mail: staff@columbiactlibrary.org

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Keeping you up-to-date on what's happening at your library. We invite you to join in the conversation!
JUNE 15, 2009
Survivor

No, I'm not talking about the reality TV program; I mean the analog to digital transition. For the last year and a half or so, along with many others owning old TV's and antennas, I've been warned after x date, analog TV will cease to exist. Scary, isn't it? If I didn't want to lose my signal I could buy a new TV or a converter box and all would be ok. The government was even offering $40 coupons for the box which in most stores would cover most, if not all of the cost. Also, I was assured if I had cable service or Direct TV, I'd be fine. I needn't do a thing.

Wanting a new TV, my plan was devised. My husband, who can do pretty much everything from building to plumbing, you name it; for some reason, stays clear of all things electronic. I saw this as my best chance to convince him we needed a new 42" (at least) flat screen, high def, TV or television as we knew it would die. My mistake was the timing and President Obama's urging to delay the actual date for the changeover. Originally planned for February 17th , the date was postponed to June 12th. Most stations planned to go digital after midnight that date. I had started my new TV campaign last February. The delay gave my husband enough time to truly listen to what was being said about the transition. We have Direct TV, the converter box would allow use of my antenna. There went my new TV.

As June 12th approached, rational thinking told me that after midnight I would still have a picture on my screen. Still, a little inkling of skepticism made me sweat as midnight approached. As the clock struck 12...well, I survived! TV went on as before.

My picture hasn't improved, my sound is the same, and my old TV can't take advantage of the host of other wondrous things that digital can provide but I still can watch my old favorites.

If you still have questions or need help with the transition there are many good sites on the Internet. Try

http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html

Still need a converter box coupon - they're available on a first come, first serve basis until July 12th

http://www.aarp.org/money/consumer/articles/digital_tv/ 

Most of our local stations have tips and basic information online. Try WFSB, channel 3's site at:
 
http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=76794

TV has come a long way in my day. For a bit of a history from our collection try 
Stay tuned : television's unforgettable moments / Joe Garner. ;

or borrow interlibrary loan:
History of Broadcasting in the United States Douglas Gomery
Columbia History of American Television Professor Gary Edgerton

and if any of you have noticed a big difference in picture quality, etc., invite my husband over to see for himself. There may be hope yet for a new TV!


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