When All Else Fails, READ the Directions

I have written often about the increased complexity of new consumer electronic devices. From cell phones to televisions, manufactures continue to incorporate more and more features into the devices. As a result they can be vexing for those of us without advanced degrees in electrical engineering. While some are better than others, the printed manuals are often not clear. Don’t get me started on the customer support hot lines.

Over the past few weeks my colleagues at CET and I have been taking more and more calls and emails asking for help with digital television questions. It is surprising to me how many individuals seem to have the same issues. I thought I would share some of them with you since it may help you or someone you know.

For fifty years or more, we American consumers were accustomed to selecting a TV. We brought it home and plugged it in and sat down and enjoyed our program. In the early days we may have had to adjust a few dials to keep the picture from rolling or move the rabbit ears a few inches to the right to clear up the picture. All in all it was painless.

Today’s digital TVs, while they may look on the outside like their ancient cousins, are not as easy to set up. I have talked to more than 20 people over the last month about problems they were having with their new digital TV set only to discover that they had never set it up correctly when they took it out of the box.

Most new sets can’t just be plugged in and turned on. There is an initial set up that allows the set to scan for available channels, set up proper screen size and shape, display captioning and program information, and even the amount of time it will stay turned on before it decides to turn itself off.

All of these features, if not set up correctly at first, will cause frustration. For example many I have talked to paid a high price for a large plasma high definition TV but, since they did not set it up correctly, have never actually been watching digital high definition programming. When we “talk” them through the set up and the picture switches to HD, they react like little kids at Christmas.

Then there are the people who call to ask why the TV works only for three hours and then goes dark? There is nothing wrong with the TV. The energy saving function is set for a certain time after which, if a channel has not been changed or some other action performed, it turns off. This is an “Energy Star” feature. Again, you need to set up the time the set stays on when you first set up the TV.

My advice, as bad as the manuals may be and as eager as you might be to enjoy your new TV, take the time to sit down and read through the manual … or get that electrical engineering degree.

When All Else Fails, READ the Directions

I have written often about the increased complexity of new consumer electronic devices. From cell phones to televisions, manufactures continue to incorporate more and more features into the devices. As a result they can be vexing for those of us without advanced degrees in electrical engineering. While some are better than others, the printed manuals are often not clear. Don’t get me started on the customer support hot lines.

Over the past few weeks my colleagues at CET and I have been taking more and more calls and emails asking for help with digital television questions. It is surprising to me how many individuals seem to have the same issues. I thought I would share some of them with you since it may help you or someone you know.

For fifty years or more, we American consumers were accustomed to selecting a TV. We brought it home and plugged it in and sat down and enjoyed our program. In the early days we may have had to adjust a few dials to keep the picture from rolling or move the rabbit ears a few inches to the right to clear up the picture. All in all it was painless.

Today’s digital TVs, while they may look on the outside like their ancient cousins, are not as easy to set up. I have talked to more than 20 people over the last month about problems they were having with their new digital TV set only to discover that they had never set it up correctly when they took it out of the box.

Most new sets can’t just be plugged in and turned on. There is an initial set up that allows the set to scan for available channels, set up proper screen size and shape, display captioning and program information, and even the amount of time it will stay turned on before it decides to turn itself off.

All of these features, if not set up correctly at first, will cause frustration. For example many I have talked to paid a high price for a large plasma high definition TV but, since they did not set it up correctly, have never actually been watching digital high definition programming. When we “talk” them through the set up and the picture switches to HD, they react like little kids at Christmas.

Then there are the people who call to ask why the TV works only for three hours and then goes dark? There is nothing wrong with the TV. The energy saving function is set for a certain time after which, if a channel has not been changed or some other action performed, it turns off. This is an “Energy Star” feature. Again, you need to set up the time the set stays on when you first set up the TV.

My advice, as bad as the manuals may be and as eager as you might be to enjoy your new TV, take the time to sit down and read through the manual … or get that electrical engineering degree.

The Problem Is Not In Your Set!

I have been getting calls and emails recently from several people all with the same question. It seems that they have either purchased a new DTV set or have connected a DTV converter to their old analog set and have experienced a strange phenomenon. They are getting great digital reception from all the local stations except Channel 9, WCPO DT.

Now let’s be clear. These are people who do not subscribe to cable or a satellite service. Instead, they rely on over-the-air reception to watch TV.

There is a very simple answer to this conundrum. The problem is not in their TV set. The problem is on top of the TV set or on the roof. It is very likely the antenna.

Back in the 1990s the FCC assigned new channels for DTV to all existing full-power broadcasters. In most cases these new channels were in the UHF band, i.e. Channel 14 – 68. For example CET received DTV Channel 34, WLW got Channel 35. Both are in the UHF band. WCPO got VHF Channel 10. Therein is the problem.

While you may not know it, there are significant differences in the design of antennas used for picking up UHF channels from those designed to pick up VHF channels. I won’t go into the physics. Take my word for it. So if you have a UHF antenna, either set top or roof top, and it is a “UHF only” model, it will not pick up the VHF signal from Channel 10, WCPO.

By the way, don’t let these numbers confuse you. In order to keep it simple, all digital TVs and converter boxes display the old channel analog numbers so the consumers don’t have to get used to a new numbering system. When you watch CET’s digital channel, which as I said above is really channel 34, the TV channel indicator will display good old Channel 48.

OK back to the problem at hand. I did an experiment. I live on a very high ridge just north of Harrison. On a clear day I can see some of the TV towers in downtown Cincinnati from my front window. I connected a UHF/VHF antenna to a DTV receiver and got a good picture from Channel 9 DT. I switched to a “UHF only” antenna. I got nothing.

You might ask why now? You may be using the same antenna that you used for getting analog Channel 9. The UHF antenna worked OK.

Digital signals are different in that they are either perfect or non existent. It is called the “cliff effect.” With analog signals we all have experienced a TV signal that is snowy. We put up with it until it is no longer viewable. A digital signal will never be snowy. If the TV set’s circuitry determines that it can not provide a perfect picture, it will just go to black. I think that is what is happening with our callers’ sets.

The solution is to get an antenna that is designed for both UHF and VHF. That should fix the problem. Some set top antennas have amplifiers. This can help as well. Be sure that the amplifier can be switched off. There are some instances when too much signal can cause problems as well. That’s another column.

The Problem Is Not In Your Set!

I have been getting calls and emails recently from several people all with the same question. It seems that they have either purchased a new DTV set or have connected a DTV converter to their old analog set and have experienced a strange phenomenon. They are getting great digital reception from all the local stations except Channel 9, WCPO DT.

Now let’s be clear. These are people who do not subscribe to cable or a satellite service. Instead, they rely on over-the-air reception to watch TV.

There is a very simple answer to this conundrum. The problem is not in their TV set. The problem is on top of the TV set or on the roof. It is very likely the antenna.

Back in the 1990s the FCC assigned new channels for DTV to all existing full-power broadcasters. In most cases these new channels were in the UHF band, i.e. Channel 14 – 68. For example CET received DTV Channel 34, WLW got Channel 35. Both are in the UHF band. WCPO got VHF Channel 10. Therein is the problem.

While you may not know it, there are significant differences in the design of antennas used for picking up UHF channels from those designed to pick up VHF channels. I won’t go into the physics. Take my word for it. So if you have a UHF antenna, either set top or roof top, and it is a “UHF only” model, it will not pick up the VHF signal from Channel 10, WCPO.

By the way, don’t let these numbers confuse you. In order to keep it simple, all digital TVs and converter boxes display the old channel analog numbers so the consumers don’t have to get used to a new numbering system. When you watch CET’s digital channel, which as I said above is really channel 34, the TV channel indicator will display good old Channel 48.

OK back to the problem at hand. I did an experiment. I live on a very high ridge just north of Harrison. On a clear day I can see some of the TV towers in downtown Cincinnati from my front window. I connected a UHF/VHF antenna to a DTV receiver and got a good picture from Channel 9 DT. I switched to a “UHF only” antenna. I got nothing.

You might ask why now? You may be using the same antenna that you used for getting analog Channel 9. The UHF antenna worked OK.

Digital signals are different in that they are either perfect or non existent. It is called the “cliff effect.” With analog signals we all have experienced a TV signal that is snowy. We put up with it until it is no longer viewable. A digital signal will never be snowy. If the TV set’s circuitry determines that it can not provide a perfect picture, it will just go to black. I think that is what is happening with our callers’ sets.

The solution is to get an antenna that is designed for both UHF and VHF. That should fix the problem. Some set top antennas have amplifiers. This can help as well. Be sure that the amplifier can be switched off. There are some instances when too much signal can cause problems as well. That’s another column.

Watch DTV Programs On Line

Wednesday evening at 8 PM I was involved in the broadcast our first live DTV call in show on CET. We got more than 160 questions and they are still coming in this morning. The program was ½ hour but could have gone for an hour or more and still not addressed all the concerns and questions.

To watch the program on CETconnect.org just point your browser to http://www.cetconnect.org/cetconnect_video.asp?ID=2997 It is about 30 minutes in length.

We plan to take the most “asked” questions and produce 30 sec. spots that will run on CET TV. Keep your questions coming. Send them to techinfo@cetconnect.org or just place a comment here on the blog.

We are considering of two or three more before Feb 2009. CET wants to make sure that the only “snow” you see on February 18, 2009 is on the ground, not on your TV.

Watch DTV Programs On Line

Wednesday evening at 8 PM I was involved in the broadcast our first live DTV call in show on CET. We got more than 160 questions and they are still coming in this morning. The program was ½ hour but could have gone for an hour or more and still not addressed all the concerns and questions.

To watch the program on CETconnect.org just point your browser to http://www.cetconnect.org/cetconnect_video.asp?ID=2997 It is about 30 minutes in length.

We plan to take the most “asked” questions and produce 30 sec. spots that will run on CET TV. Keep your questions coming. Send them to techinfo@cetconnect.org or just place a comment here on the blog.

We are considering of two or three more before Feb 2009. CET wants to make sure that the only “snow” you see on February 18, 2009 is on the ground, not on your TV.

Confession Time

I have to tell the truth. I have to be completely honest when I tell you that there some times when I am at a loss to figure out some very simple technical problems. Now you would think that someone who spends most of his waking hours surrounded by all things digital would be able to master setting up a simple consumer-grade device. No blinking 12:00 for me. Well, the following will demonstrate that I, like many of you, can get frustrated setting up even the most basic electronic gear.

It all started when I brought home a new DTV converter box to test out on my home TVs. I connected it to one of the sets in the guest bedroom and it worked great. It took less than 2 minutes to denude the package of it’s shrink wrap and plug in the cables. All was right with the world.

A few days letter I decided to see how the box would function on another TV. I disconnected the converter and cables and connected it to the other TV. Again, all worked as promised. I got a clear picture. The sound was great on all the channels. The remote functioned as described in the instructions.

There was one problem however. All the channels were now displaying captions. “I’ll fix that,” I said to myself. The remote for the DTV converter box is well designed and the closed caption button was plainly marked. I pressed it, expecting the captions to disappear. They vanished for about two seconds and then returned. I tried another channel. Sure enough the captions were there too. I pressed the button again and again with no luck.

Beginning to get somewhat irritated, I figured that the system was either malfunctioning or somehow I had programmed the converter to always display captioning. I waded through the menus and found everything to be in order. I even reset the converter to “Original Factory Specifications,” an often-used last resort fix for many misbehaving computer or electronic devices. No dice, the TV was going to write out in captions whatever was being said on the screen no matter what I did.

OK, now I am getting mad. I even sat down and read the manual, something I never do. The darn thing is broken I decided. “But it can’t be,” my more rational side of the brain whispered in my ear. (Yeh , I hear voices too…that is another story.) The thing worked fine on the other TV.

The proverbial light bulb went on. The captions were coming from the TV not the DTV converter. Sure enough, I found the remote control for the TV. The button to turn the captions on or off was right next to the button that selected the input for the DTV converter. I had apparently pressed it when I connected the converter. As expected, turning off the TV captions ON THE TV solved the problem.

So what is the moral of the story? I am not sure, but when you have multiple TVs, multiple devices connected to those TVs and a dozen or more remote controls lying on the coffee table in the living room, some strange things can happen no mater how technically savvy you are… or think you are.

So the next time you feel like throwing that brand new electronic gizmo through the window, take a deep breath and open the window first.

Confession Time

I have to tell the truth. I have to be completely honest when I tell you that there some times when I am at a loss to figure out some very simple technical problems. Now you would think that someone who spends most of his waking hours surrounded by all things digital would be able to master setting up a simple consumer-grade device. No blinking 12:00 for me. Well, the following will demonstrate that I, like many of you, can get frustrated setting up even the most basic electronic gear.

It all started when I brought home a new DTV converter box to test out on my home TVs. I connected it to one of the sets in the guest bedroom and it worked great. It took less than 2 minutes to denude the package of it’s shrink wrap and plug in the cables. All was right with the world.

A few days letter I decided to see how the box would function on another TV. I disconnected the converter and cables and connected it to the other TV. Again, all worked as promised. I got a clear picture. The sound was great on all the channels. The remote functioned as described in the instructions.

There was one problem however. All the channels were now displaying captions. “I’ll fix that,” I said to myself. The remote for the DTV converter box is well designed and the closed caption button was plainly marked. I pressed it, expecting the captions to disappear. They vanished for about two seconds and then returned. I tried another channel. Sure enough the captions were there too. I pressed the button again and again with no luck.

Beginning to get somewhat irritated, I figured that the system was either malfunctioning or somehow I had programmed the converter to always display captioning. I waded through the menus and found everything to be in order. I even reset the converter to “Original Factory Specifications,” an often-used last resort fix for many misbehaving computer or electronic devices. No dice, the TV was going to write out in captions whatever was being said on the screen no matter what I did.

OK, now I am getting mad. I even sat down and read the manual, something I never do. The darn thing is broken I decided. “But it can’t be,” my more rational side of the brain whispered in my ear. (Yeh , I hear voices too…that is another story.) The thing worked fine on the other TV.

The proverbial light bulb went on. The captions were coming from the TV not the DTV converter. Sure enough, I found the remote control for the TV. The button to turn the captions on or off was right next to the button that selected the input for the DTV converter. I had apparently pressed it when I connected the converter. As expected, turning off the TV captions ON THE TV solved the problem.

So what is the moral of the story? I am not sure, but when you have multiple TVs, multiple devices connected to those TVs and a dozen or more remote controls lying on the coffee table in the living room, some strange things can happen no mater how technically savvy you are… or think you are.

So the next time you feel like throwing that brand new electronic gizmo through the window, take a deep breath and open the window first.

More Information About DTV Converters & Coupons

In the last few weeks I have received several emails and phone calls regarding the DTV Converters and the Federal Government’s DTV Converter Coupon Program. There seems to continue to be lots of misinformation and confusion. I will try shed some light on some of the most often asked questions.

Many have written complaining that they have yet to receive the coupons even though they requested them right after the first of the year. While the program officially began in January 2008, the government stated that they would not begin to send the coupons out until the converters were available in stores. Since the coupons have a 90 day expiration period and you may not request new ones for expired coupons, they wanted to make sure that once you had the coupons you could use them. The coupons are being mailed out in order of when the requests were received. I have a few friends who applied in early January and they received their coupons last week. If you have a computer, you can check on the status of your coupon by going to www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx

Some people have related that their applications for coupons have been rejected. In most cases it is because they did not provide a street address. You can not give a PO box number on your application since the coupons are being allocated based on two coupons per each street address. If you live in an apartment and provide an apartment number you will be fine. Some people who are in nursing homes or other assisted living situations are not eligible for coupons. You can apply for coupons even if you do not need them and give them to someone who does need one but is not eligible under the street address rubric.

Finding the converters should not be too much of a problem as they are stocked by most big box retailers. I did have to chuckle the other day when I found the stock of converters at Best Buy® relegated to the bottom shelf of a dimly lit far corner of the store. I guess they could have covered them up with a tarp. “Sure sir, we have converters. How about I show you a $2000 DTV set first?”

There are a few things that you might want to consider if you are waiting to get the converters. It is VERY unlikely that the prices will fall and the features will most likely not improve since most of the converters are essentially the same and the price is already so low that the retailer is not making the mark up they regularly get on other electronics. Since the local stations are already providing these digital channels, you can begin using the converters right away thus getting some of the new channels and programs. Also, picture quality will improve for many who have interference-prone reception. For the most part, the picture quality will be even across all stations and your old analog set will never look better.

As we get closer to the February 2009 analog cut off date I am sure there will continue to be questions and concerns. I will try to address them here so that your transition is a smooth one. Come Wednesday morning, February 18, 2009 we want the only snow to be on the ground, not on your TV screen.

More Information About DTV Converters & Coupons

In the last few weeks I have received several emails and phone calls regarding the DTV Converters and the Federal Government’s DTV Converter Coupon Program. There seems to continue to be lots of misinformation and confusion. I will try shed some light on some of the most often asked questions.

Many have written complaining that they have yet to receive the coupons even though they requested them right after the first of the year. While the program officially began in January 2008, the government stated that they would not begin to send the coupons out until the converters were available in stores. Since the coupons have a 90 day expiration period and you may not request new ones for expired coupons, they wanted to make sure that once you had the coupons you could use them. The coupons are being mailed out in order of when the requests were received. I have a few friends who applied in early January and they received their coupons last week. If you have a computer, you can check on the status of your coupon by going to www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx

Some people have related that their applications for coupons have been rejected. In most cases it is because they did not provide a street address. You can not give a PO box number on your application since the coupons are being allocated based on two coupons per each street address. If you live in an apartment and provide an apartment number you will be fine. Some people who are in nursing homes or other assisted living situations are not eligible for coupons. You can apply for coupons even if you do not need them and give them to someone who does need one but is not eligible under the street address rubric.

Finding the converters should not be too much of a problem as they are stocked by most big box retailers. I did have to chuckle the other day when I found the stock of converters at Best Buy® relegated to the bottom shelf of a dimly lit far corner of the store. I guess they could have covered them up with a tarp. “Sure sir, we have converters. How about I show you a $2000 DTV set first?”

There are a few things that you might want to consider if you are waiting to get the converters. It is VERY unlikely that the prices will fall and the features will most likely not improve since most of the converters are essentially the same and the price is already so low that the retailer is not making the mark up they regularly get on other electronics. Since the local stations are already providing these digital channels, you can begin using the converters right away thus getting some of the new channels and programs. Also, picture quality will improve for many who have interference-prone reception. For the most part, the picture quality will be even across all stations and your old analog set will never look better.

As we get closer to the February 2009 analog cut off date I am sure there will continue to be questions and concerns. I will try to address them here so that your transition is a smooth one. Come Wednesday morning, February 18, 2009 we want the only snow to be on the ground, not on your TV screen.

Which DTV Converter Is Right For Me?

Well, they are here. The local Radio Shack store has a supply. The big box electronics stores like Best Buy, h h gregg and Circuit City have them in stock. Wal-Mart’s Blue Lights are a “spinnin’.” The Digital TV Converters have hit the store shelves. The good news is that they are, for the most part, moderately priced. With the $40 coupon available from Uncle Sam, you will have to spend only $20 and tax to take one home. The question is which one to take home.

For those who may need a refresher: The set top Digital Converter is a device that attaches to your analog TV and allows you to receive the new digital signals without buying a new digital TV. It is ONLY needed by those who receive their TV programs over-the-air with an antenna. If you are in that group, you will need to get one no later then midnight, February 17, 2009. If you have cable (basic or digital) or use a satellite service, or you have a new digital TV set, you can stop reading now, YOU DON’T NEED ONE!

For most of us the basic converter model will do just fine. It receives all the over-the-air digital signals and displays them on your TV. It is connected to your old TV in one of two ways. The simplest is through the TV antenna connection. Just like many video games, you connect the DTV Converter to the TV antenna plug, connect the TV antenna to the DTV Converter and tune the TV to either Channel 3 or 4. Voila, the connection is finished. You have to keep the TV set on channel 3 or 4 and use the new remote that comes with the converter to change channels and set volume. Even your oldest TV will now be controlled with this snazzy new remote and be able to display all the digital channels being broadcast by your local stations.

The second way to connect the converter to your TV is to use the direct Audio and Video (A/V) inputs. Many newer analog TVs have these inputs either on the front or the rear of the TV. They are usually color coded. Yellow for video and Red and White for audio. Most of the converters come with both an antenna cable and this special A/V cable. The only difference when using these audio/video connections is that you will need to set your TV to the proper input. It is usually called “Video or“Video1” or “Line or Line1” Each TV model is different, but a little trial and error with the TV’s remote should do it.

I mentioned above that there are other “flavors” of these converters. If you are a viewer of the low-power TV stations in Cincinnati, (e.g. Channel 25 and 38) you will need to make another choice. These TV stations will not convert to digital in February 2009, so if you want to continue to watch them you will either need to purchase a special DTV set top box or use the audio video option as described above and get a second antenna.

Let me explain. Some special converter set top boxes pass through the old signals when they are tuned off. So if you want to watch the old analog programs from the low power stations, you just switch the box off and use your TV tuner as you do now. When you want to watch the new digital channels, you turn the box back on. If you connected your new DTV converter using the audio/video cables, you can use the standard DTV converter. You will need to have a second antenna connected to your TV set for the analog channels. There is actually a third way using an A/B switch. For a diagram of that method, send me an email.

All of this can be a bit confusing. For most of us the simple converter is just fine. I will put a list of the various DTV converters on my blog if you want to know which one you will need to receive the low power analog stations.

I have tried out several converters and they all deliver a good picture and are very easy to set up. Most are “Plug & Play” meaning that once connected they search out the local channels, set up the on-screen program guide and give you options for captions. You must have a converter for each analog TV set. You don’t have to wait until February 2009. The digital channels are being broadcast locally right now so it is not too early to convert. Gee, I sound like a preacher!

Which DTV Converter Is Right For Me?

Well, they are here. The local Radio Shack store has a supply. The big box electronics stores like Best Buy, h h gregg and Circuit City have them in stock. Wal-Mart’s Blue Lights are a “spinnin’.” The Digital TV Converters have hit the store shelves. The good news is that they are, for the most part, moderately priced. With the $40 coupon available from Uncle Sam, you will have to spend only $20 and tax to take one home. The question is which one to take home.

For those who may need a refresher: The set top Digital Converter is a device that attaches to your analog TV and allows you to receive the new digital signals without buying a new digital TV. It is ONLY needed by those who receive their TV programs over-the-air with an antenna. If you are in that group, you will need to get one no later then midnight, February 17, 2009. If you have cable (basic or digital) or use a satellite service, or you have a new digital TV set, you can stop reading now, YOU DON’T NEED ONE!

For most of us the basic converter model will do just fine. It receives all the over-the-air digital signals and displays them on your TV. It is connected to your old TV in one of two ways. The simplest is through the TV antenna connection. Just like many video games, you connect the DTV Converter to the TV antenna plug, connect the TV antenna to the DTV Converter and tune the TV to either Channel 3 or 4. Voila, the connection is finished. You have to keep the TV set on channel 3 or 4 and use the new remote that comes with the converter to change channels and set volume. Even your oldest TV will now be controlled with this snazzy new remote and be able to display all the digital channels being broadcast by your local stations.

The second way to connect the converter to your TV is to use the direct Audio and Video (A/V) inputs. Many newer analog TVs have these inputs either on the front or the rear of the TV. They are usually color coded. Yellow for video and Red and White for audio. Most of the converters come with both an antenna cable and this special A/V cable. The only difference when using these audio/video connections is that you will need to set your TV to the proper input. It is usually called “Video or“Video1” or “Line or Line1” Each TV model is different, but a little trial and error with the TV’s remote should do it.

I mentioned above that there are other “flavors” of these converters. If you are a viewer of the low-power TV stations in Cincinnati, (e.g. Channel 25 and 38) you will need to make another choice. These TV stations will not convert to digital in February 2009, so if you want to continue to watch them you will either need to purchase a special DTV set top box or use the audio video option as described above and get a second antenna.

Let me explain. Some special converter set top boxes pass through the old signals when they are tuned off. So if you want to watch the old analog programs from the low power stations, you just switch the box off and use your TV tuner as you do now. When you want to watch the new digital channels, you turn the box back on. If you connected your new DTV converter using the audio/video cables, you can use the standard DTV converter. You will need to have a second antenna connected to your TV set for the analog channels. There is actually a third way using an A/B switch. For a diagram of that method, send me an email.

All of this can be a bit confusing. For most of us the simple converter is just fine. I will put a list of the various DTV converters on my blog if you want to know which one you will need to receive the low power analog stations.

I have tried out several converters and they all deliver a good picture and are very easy to set up. Most are “Plug & Play” meaning that once connected they search out the local channels, set up the on-screen program guide and give you options for captions. You must have a converter for each analog TV set. You don’t have to wait until February 2009. The digital channels are being broadcast locally right now so it is not too early to convert. Gee, I sound like a preacher!

Do I Need A DTV Converter?

I have written extensively about the February 2009 Analog Broadcast cut off and the Set Top DTV Converters that are now available to allow you to continue to use your analog TV sets – yes, even the old black and white model in the basement - after the analog channels go away. In light of the misinformation that is being distributed on radio and TV and in newspapers, I thought that I would take this opportunity to go over the basics again.

First a definition. A Set Top DTV Converter is a device that connects to your analog TV and allows you to watch programs being BROADCAST locally over-the-air in the new Digital format. These devices are NOT used with cable or satellite services. Those services have specialized set top boxes.

I received a series of questions from John, a regular reader of my column. I think they are representative of some of the most often asked.

John writes,
“I have analog cable; will I need some sort of converter box for my new digital HD LCD TV?”

You have two choices if you want to get the digital channels. You can upgrade your cable service to digital with a HD Cable box and get all the digital and HD channels including the cable-only channels, e.g. ESPN, HBO, etc., or you can attach an antenna to your new set and receive only the local digital channels broadcast over-the-air. You do not need a Set Top DTV Converter for the new digital TV set. You will no longer get the analog channels from cable on this new set without upgrading to digital cable.

“What about the old TV’s? Will they still work with basic analog cable?”

Yes, you will get all the channels that you get now without any converter. If you want to watch all the new over-the-air digital channels, you will need a converter connected to an antenna for each TV. If you want to get the cable digital channels you need to upgrade your cable service and connect the old sets to cable using a digital cable boxes. There are two types of Time Warner digital cable boxes. One connects to your regular analog set and provides all the non-HD digital channels. The other is an HD box and it provides all those channels plus the HD channels and can be used only with new HD sets. Currently Time Warner charges the same for the standard digital box and the HD box.

“I have several VCRs that are not digital; will I still be able to record and time shift?”

As long as they are connected to either the cable or the converter, they will work as they do now.

The bottom line, everything you now have by being connected to basic cable will continue to work after February 2009. If you want HD on your new set you must either subscribe to digital cable with an HD Cable box or install an antenna on the HD set to receive local the local Digital channels (both HD and Standard Definition.)

“Do you have some suggestions for finding good unbiased reviews of DTV sets?

Consumer Report® magazine is always a good place to look.

The converters are now available in stores and most are priced at $59.99. The local Radio Shack® store now has then in stock. With the $40.00 coupon applied to the purchase price you are looking at $20 bucks each for the devices. If you have not already done so, you can request coupons from Uncle Sam on line at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-388-2009.

Next week I’ll discuss the various types and models of converters that are available and how to connect them.

Do I Need A DTV Converter?

I have written extensively about the February 2009 Analog Broadcast cut off and the Set Top DTV Converters that are now available to allow you to continue to use your analog TV sets – yes, even the old black and white model in the basement - after the analog channels go away. In light of the misinformation that is being distributed on radio and TV and in newspapers, I thought that I would take this opportunity to go over the basics again.

First a definition. A Set Top DTV Converter is a device that connects to your analog TV and allows you to watch programs being BROADCAST locally over-the-air in the new Digital format. These devices are NOT used with cable or satellite services. Those services have specialized set top boxes.

I received a series of questions from John, a regular reader of my column. I think they are representative of some of the most often asked.

John writes,
“I have analog cable; will I need some sort of converter box for my new digital HD LCD TV?”

You have two choices if you want to get the digital channels. You can upgrade your cable service to digital with a HD Cable box and get all the digital and HD channels including the cable-only channels, e.g. ESPN, HBO, etc., or you can attach an antenna to your new set and receive only the local digital channels broadcast over-the-air. You do not need a Set Top DTV Converter for the new digital TV set. You will no longer get the analog channels from cable on this new set without upgrading to digital cable.

“What about the old TV’s? Will they still work with basic analog cable?”

Yes, you will get all the channels that you get now without any converter. If you want to watch all the new over-the-air digital channels, you will need a converter connected to an antenna for each TV. If you want to get the cable digital channels you need to upgrade your cable service and connect the old sets to cable using a digital cable boxes. There are two types of Time Warner digital cable boxes. One connects to your regular analog set and provides all the non-HD digital channels. The other is an HD box and it provides all those channels plus the HD channels and can be used only with new HD sets. Currently Time Warner charges the same for the standard digital box and the HD box.

“I have several VCRs that are not digital; will I still be able to record and time shift?”

As long as they are connected to either the cable or the converter, they will work as they do now.

The bottom line, everything you now have by being connected to basic cable will continue to work after February 2009. If you want HD on your new set you must either subscribe to digital cable with an HD Cable box or install an antenna on the HD set to receive local the local Digital channels (both HD and Standard Definition.)

“Do you have some suggestions for finding good unbiased reviews of DTV sets?

Consumer Report® magazine is always a good place to look.

The converters are now available in stores and most are priced at $59.99. The local Radio Shack® store now has then in stock. With the $40.00 coupon applied to the purchase price you are looking at $20 bucks each for the devices. If you have not already done so, you can request coupons from Uncle Sam on line at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-388-2009.

Next week I’ll discuss the various types and models of converters that are available and how to connect them.

Don't Broadcast Your Personal Information

You can’t miss all the hype from companies like Cincinnati Bell and others bragging that that they have installed hundreds of WiFi “hot spots” throughout the area. A “hot spot” is a location from which you can access the Internet wirelessly with your laptop computer or other WiFi-enabled device like a Palm Pilot®, cell phone or even a wireless gaming device. In the Harrison area you can find public WiFi spots at the Speedway gas station and The Public Library. These are Cincinnati Bell sponsored locations. There are many others. Time Warner Road Runner in cooperation with "Project Lilypad" is installing free WiFi at CVG making it one of the few airports in the nation with free WiFi service.

While there is great convenience to being able to sit in a coffee shop, or even under a tree in a park, and conduct personal or work-related business using your computer, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, many of us do much or all of our banking on line. This requires the use of passwords, user names, Social Security numbers and other very personal information. Now I am sure that if you were in a crowded restaurant you would not shout out, for all to hear, your Social Security number or ATM password. Well, if you are logged on line at a public WiFi location that is potentially what you are doing.

Remember that WiFi systems "broadcast" the information though the air and any computer close by, with the right software, can intercept that information. Because these public WiFi locations are used by many people they can’t be secured with encryption systems like we use in many of our offices and businesses. For sure the guy with dark glasses and a trench coat in the next booth at Market Street Grill is most likely not spying on you. But, he could be.

So the rule of thumb is to keep your private communication via computer private. Do it at home or only on systems that you know are private. Speaking of home, many of us have WiFi systems in our homes. If you live out in the country most likely you don’t need to worry about your neighbor signing on to your system. In the city, where houses are closer together, or in condo units separated by only thin walls, your WiFi can easily be used by the guy next store. If you don’t care if he is “freeloading” on your Internet connection and can eavesdrop on your communication, you need do nothing. If you might have a problem with that, you can encrypt your system. This will allow only you and those you authorize to use the connection. You will find instructions on how to do that in the manual that came with the WiFi router. It should be in that junk drawer someplace.

To be sure the wireless revolution is tremendously convenient. Cell phones, Blackberries® and cordless home phones are great tools. Just remember that anything you send or say on these devices is broadcast for all to read and/or hear.

Well, I promised to keep you up to speed on the availability of the DTV set top converter boxes. At this writing (Feb. 9) I have yet to see one in a store but I do have one. I got one from my contacts in Washington and am told that within a month or so they will be in most major electronics retailers. So it is a safe bet that you can send for your coupons from Uncle Sam. You can do it on line or by phone. The web address is www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon ; the phone number is 888-388-2009.

I have the Zenith/LG model and it is a very nice unit with lots of easy to use functions. I plan to review the various brands and models as they become available in local stores. Look for the reviews in future columns.

Don't Broadcast Your Personal Information

You can’t miss all the hype from companies like Cincinnati Bell and others bragging that that they have installed hundreds of WiFi “hot spots” throughout the area. A “hot spot” is a location from which you can access the Internet wirelessly with your laptop computer or other WiFi-enabled device like a Palm Pilot®, cell phone or even a wireless gaming device. In the Harrison area you can find public WiFi spots at the Speedway gas station and The Public Library. These are Cincinnati Bell sponsored locations. There are many others. Time Warner Road Runner in cooperation with "Project Lilypad" is installing free WiFi at CVG making it one of the few airports in the nation with free WiFi service.

While there is great convenience to being able to sit in a coffee shop, or even under a tree in a park, and conduct personal or work-related business using your computer, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, many of us do much or all of our banking on line. This requires the use of passwords, user names, Social Security numbers and other very personal information. Now I am sure that if you were in a crowded restaurant you would not shout out, for all to hear, your Social Security number or ATM password. Well, if you are logged on line at a public WiFi location that is potentially what you are doing.

Remember that WiFi systems "broadcast" the information though the air and any computer close by, with the right software, can intercept that information. Because these public WiFi locations are used by many people they can’t be secured with encryption systems like we use in many of our offices and businesses. For sure the guy with dark glasses and a trench coat in the next booth at Market Street Grill is most likely not spying on you. But, he could be.

So the rule of thumb is to keep your private communication via computer private. Do it at home or only on systems that you know are private. Speaking of home, many of us have WiFi systems in our homes. If you live out in the country most likely you don’t need to worry about your neighbor signing on to your system. In the city, where houses are closer together, or in condo units separated by only thin walls, your WiFi can easily be used by the guy next store. If you don’t care if he is “freeloading” on your Internet connection and can eavesdrop on your communication, you need do nothing. If you might have a problem with that, you can encrypt your system. This will allow only you and those you authorize to use the connection. You will find instructions on how to do that in the manual that came with the WiFi router. It should be in that junk drawer someplace.

To be sure the wireless revolution is tremendously convenient. Cell phones, Blackberries® and cordless home phones are great tools. Just remember that anything you send or say on these devices is broadcast for all to read and/or hear.

Well, I promised to keep you up to speed on the availability of the DTV set top converter boxes. At this writing (Feb. 9) I have yet to see one in a store but I do have one. I got one from my contacts in Washington and am told that within a month or so they will be in most major electronics retailers. So it is a safe bet that you can send for your coupons from Uncle Sam. You can do it on line or by phone. The web address is www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon ; the phone number is 888-388-2009.

I have the Zenith/LG model and it is a very nice unit with lots of easy to use functions. I plan to review the various brands and models as they become available in local stores. Look for the reviews in future columns.

Some things to watch for in 2008

It is always dangerous to make predictions. It is even more dangerous and potentially embarrassing to make those predictions in writing. Nevertheless, I have a few things that might help you as you make decisions about purchasing electronic products and services in the new year.

In February you can look for some great deals on HD televisions. Leading up to the Super Bowl®, you will be inundated with ads from all the leading retailers touting sales of new TVs so you can wow your neighbors at your Super Bowl Party. Once that day passes, sales will slow down and you will be able to get some great deals.

February 2009 will then be just 12 months away. Remember February 17, 2009 is the day when we turn off all the analog channels and if you are among the 20% of US households that use over-the-air receivers to watch TV, you will need to do something. If you don’t decide to subscribe to cable or satellite you will need to either purchase a new digital TV or get a set top adapter. The adapters will begin to be found in stores in early 2008. Also, the federal government will begin to issue coupons. Each household is eligible to get 2 coupons each worth $40 toward the purchase of a DTV adapter. Right now they are priced at about $70. For more information you can call 888 DTV-2009 (800-388-2009) or go to the DTV information website http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/PreparingForTheDTVTransition.pdf

The cell phone providers will begin to expand capabilities beyond one-to-one communication. Many will find it surprising that the United States and Canada are among the most backward countries in the world with our cell phone networks and hand set capabilities. In many countries today you can now do your banking via cell phone, pay for gas, buy a subway fare and watch sporting events. While some of these features are now beginning to be made available here, 2009 should see some real advances.

Look for more devices to be controlled by voice commands. This technology has been available on higher end products but now is becoming common place. You may have seen the commercials on TV for some of the new Ford Motor Company cars with Synch Technology™. This system being co-developed by Microsoft®, allows you to operate your iPod® and phone using spoken commands. While many of us have had this calling feature on our cell phones, you will now see this technology being integrated into a host of other devices. Great news, we can all stop clapping to turn on our living room lamps!

You will see an increase in attempts to get information about you. The discount programs using ID cards with bar codes, the sales clerk request for your email address, the manufacture’s warranty cards that ask for much more information than the model number of the toaster you just bought, all are ways of gathering information about you and your consumer habits.

The green energy efficiency movement will get into full swing with added emphasis on doing little things in your home that will add up to substantial community savings. The dropping prices and greater variety of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps are good examples. Look for more LED lamps in automobiles too.

I will revisit this list one year from now and see how I did.

Some things to watch for in 2008

It is always dangerous to make predictions. It is even more dangerous and potentially embarrassing to make those predictions in writing. Nevertheless, I have a few things that might help you as you make decisions about purchasing electronic products and services in the new year.

In February you can look for some great deals on HD televisions. Leading up to the Super Bowl®, you will be inundated with ads from all the leading retailers touting sales of new TVs so you can wow your neighbors at your Super Bowl Party. Once that day passes, sales will slow down and you will be able to get some great deals.

February 2009 will then be just 12 months away. Remember February 17, 2009 is the day when we turn off all the analog channels and if you are among the 20% of US households that use over-the-air receivers to watch TV, you will need to do something. If you don’t decide to subscribe to cable or satellite you will need to either purchase a new digital TV or get a set top adapter. The adapters will begin to be found in stores in early 2008. Also, the federal government will begin to issue coupons. Each household is eligible to get 2 coupons each worth $40 toward the purchase of a DTV adapter. Right now they are priced at about $70. For more information you can call 888 DTV-2009 (800-388-2009) or go to the DTV information website http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/PreparingForTheDTVTransition.pdf

The cell phone providers will begin to expand capabilities beyond one-to-one communication. Many will find it surprising that the United States and Canada are among the most backward countries in the world with our cell phone networks and hand set capabilities. In many countries today you can now do your banking via cell phone, pay for gas, buy a subway fare and watch sporting events. While some of these features are now beginning to be made available here, 2009 should see some real advances.

Look for more devices to be controlled by voice commands. This technology has been available on higher end products but now is becoming common place. You may have seen the commercials on TV for some of the new Ford Motor Company cars with Synch Technology™. This system being co-developed by Microsoft®, allows you to operate your iPod® and phone using spoken commands. While many of us have had this calling feature on our cell phones, you will now see this technology being integrated into a host of other devices. Great news, we can all stop clapping to turn on our living room lamps!

You will see an increase in attempts to get information about you. The discount programs using ID cards with bar codes, the sales clerk request for your email address, the manufacture’s warranty cards that ask for much more information than the model number of the toaster you just bought, all are ways of gathering information about you and your consumer habits.

The green energy efficiency movement will get into full swing with added emphasis on doing little things in your home that will add up to substantial community savings. The dropping prices and greater variety of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps are good examples. Look for more LED lamps in automobiles too.

I will revisit this list one year from now and see how I did.

Some new information on old subjects

This week I am going to give some updates on topics that we’ve covered over the past six months. If there is one thing that is certain about new technologies, it is that they will change, and change often.

The Ford Motor company announced late last month that they will be the first major auto manufacturer to offer HD Radios in the 2008 models of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. This should be a real shot in the arm for the advancement of HD radio. While there are more than 1500 AM and FM radio stations in the United States broadcasting HD Radio, the number of radios able to receive the signals remains very small. HD Radio, unlike satellite radio (Sirius® and XM Radio® ), is broadcast from towers and serves much smaller local coverage areas. The difference from standard AM/FM broadcasts comes in the clarity of the sound and the capacity to have more than one program simulcast over the same channel. For example, WGUC 90.9 is a classical music station. If you have a HD Radio you can get both classical programming and a jazz service with the flip of a switch.

In August I mentioned that before February 2009 you would be able to buy DTV adapters for your analog TV sets making them able to receive digital programming after the analog transmissions cease. The federal government has authorized the first company to manufacture and sell these adapters. Digital Stream Technology got approval last month. The adapters will retail at about $70 each. Plans call for the federal government to provide each US household up to 2 - $40 coupons good toward the purchase of the adapters. Look for them in stores in mid 2008.

Last May I wrote about the money you can save installing compact fluorescent light bulbs in your home as replacements for the energy hogging incandescent bulbs. Duke Energy sent coupons to customers making the purchase of the new bulbs a real bargain. Not only will you save on the purchase of the new lights but the dollar savings over the year can be as much as 75%. Even without the coupons, switching out the old incandescents will save you money. The only places you may wish to use traditional bulbs are in areas that get high traffic with lights being turned on and off often. Rooms like bathrooms or hallways with the constant on and off cycles will reduce the life of compact fluorescent bulbs.

Are you planning to buy a new HD television? According to a recent survey of about 3500 Road Runner™ subscribers in the Cincinnati area by Time Warner Cable, about ½ of respondents said they either already had an HD set or planned to buy one shortly. With the prices dropping and more programming available in HD, look for the sales of HD sets to really take off during the holidays and peak right before the Super Bowl.

Some new information on old subjects

This week I am going to give some updates on topics that we’ve covered over the past six months. If there is one thing that is certain about new technologies, it is that they will change, and change often.

The Ford Motor company announced late last month that they will be the first major auto manufacturer to offer HD Radios in the 2008 models of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. This should be a real shot in the arm for the advancement of HD radio. While there are more than 1500 AM and FM radio stations in the United States broadcasting HD Radio, the number of radios able to receive the signals remains very small. HD Radio, unlike satellite radio (Sirius® and XM Radio® ), is broadcast from towers and serves much smaller local coverage areas. The difference from standard AM/FM broadcasts comes in the clarity of the sound and the capacity to have more than one program simulcast over the same channel. For example, WGUC 90.9 is a classical music station. If you have a HD Radio you can get both classical programming and a jazz service with the flip of a switch.

In August I mentioned that before February 2009 you would be able to buy DTV adapters for your analog TV sets making them able to receive digital programming after the analog transmissions cease. The federal government has authorized the first company to manufacture and sell these adapters. Digital Stream Technology got approval last month. The adapters will retail at about $70 each. Plans call for the federal government to provide each US household up to 2 - $40 coupons good toward the purchase of the adapters. Look for them in stores in mid 2008.

Last May I wrote about the money you can save installing compact fluorescent light bulbs in your home as replacements for the energy hogging incandescent bulbs. Duke Energy sent coupons to customers making the purchase of the new bulbs a real bargain. Not only will you save on the purchase of the new lights but the dollar savings over the year can be as much as 75%. Even without the coupons, switching out the old incandescents will save you money. The only places you may wish to use traditional bulbs are in areas that get high traffic with lights being turned on and off often. Rooms like bathrooms or hallways with the constant on and off cycles will reduce the life of compact fluorescent bulbs.

Are you planning to buy a new HD television? According to a recent survey of about 3500 Road Runner™ subscribers in the Cincinnati area by Time Warner Cable, about ½ of respondents said they either already had an HD set or planned to buy one shortly. With the prices dropping and more programming available in HD, look for the sales of HD sets to really take off during the holidays and peak right before the Super Bowl.