After months of prepping television owners for a nationwide switch from analog broadcast signals to digital, the fed delayed the change until June 12. The original switchover was slated for yesterday, but due in part to the exhausted funds set aside to help Americans purchase converter boxes for analog-only TVs, the move was postponed.
Those still using conventional antennas, or "rabbit ears," to receive signals will still need the converter boxes in order to watch TV beginning June 12. However, cable or satellite subscribers in Crittenden County should already be prepared for digital broadcasts, according to a cable TV spokesperson.
Randy Hollis, a government liaison for Mediacom, said Monday that the cable television company has been set for some time for digital broadcast to begin Feb. 17. The delay should have no effect on its current customers, as subscribers were already equipped for the changeover or have made their receivers digital-ready by renting the necessary equipment from Mediacom.
"As long as you're hooked up to us, you're okay," Hollis said Monday.
The only exception, he pointed out, would be sets for which digital receiver technology has not already been purchased or additional televisions added to a home without the necessary Mediacom equipment. Subscribers within the City of Marion were not required to add any additional technology through Mediacom, though most rural customers in Crittenden County did need to pay an additional monthly fee to rent the necessary equipment for digital reception.
Hollis said several broadcast stations may begin airing in digital before June 12. Mediacom or satellite customers should have no problems, but those still using rabbit ears will no longer be able to receive programming from those stations.
