Don't panic about digital TV switch

Based on the Daily Herald's soapbox item Dec. 1, "Digital, Schmigital," there seems to be a bit of misinformation in the community regarding the shift to digital television in 2009. No, analog televisions will not turn to snow or static when the stations go digital.

It's not necessary to buy a spanking new, fancy-shmancy digital television if you currently have either cable television or a satellite dish. The cable and satellite receivers already convert digital to analog signals for your viewing convenience. About 80 percent of the country subscribes to pay television services, so it's about 20 percent that have a decision to make in a couple of years.

The good news is that converter boxes for analog televisions will be available for those folks that don't want to subscribe or can't get cable or satellite. Several months ago there were discussions about the government subsidizing the converter boxes for those people. But nothing definitive has been announced.

So don't panic. You'll still be able to watch American Idol and Dancing with the Stars on your old TV.

Alan Albert

Geneva