This is not the kind of white christmas anyone would dream of. But this is the snow some North State TV viewers could see on December 22nd. That's the day Channel's 12, 24 and 30 will switch to digital-only broadcasting. Channel 9 made the switch earlier this year. With the exception of Channel 7, which will switch to digital-only on February 17th with the rest of the country, the Chico/Redding market will shut down the analog signals two months early.
Stan Statham " I think it's wonderful. The sooner the better."
As president of the California Broadcasters Association Stan Statham has been closely observing the historic transition to digital. He says TV viewers should recognize it's a good thing.
Stan Staham "They will get a better picture and better sound so better television's on the way whether you want it or not. And I can't imagine anyone living without television, can you?"
Actually, no. But why not wait until the federally mandated deadline of February 17th? Well - according to general manager John Stall, servicing antiquated mountaintop transmitters in the heart of winter is a big concern.
John Stall: " The analog transmitters are limping to the finish line. The concern here is we did an analogy of weather reports. Weather in February is pretty tough. The other thing is there's a many parts on these transmitters that we can't get anymore."
Stan Statham: " It surprises me that all across the wide fruited plains of America that more television stations are not going early. Because if you have to go to the dentist, just do it now."
Actually one other television market did go early. Wilmington, North Carolina was designated the test market for the nation. Stations there made the switch to digital-only on September 8th.
Despite an extensive public information campaign, many viewers discovered their antennas were inadequate, or they hadn't scanned their TV for the digital channels, or they hadn't hooked up those converter boxes correctly.
But this can all be avoided by making the switch at your house as early as possible. And just in case there's anyone who still does not completely understand - only viewers who still have an analog television, receiving an analog signal over the air and through an antenna are affected.
If that describes you, why not make the switch now? Stations are already broadcasting in digital. If you hook that converter box up now, you can resolve any problems before the analog signal goes away on December 22nd."
Stan STatham " Absolutely, do it now! If you wait until the 11th hour and 59th minute, some retail clerk will have given you the incorrect box. Or somehow you are technologically challenged and you can't plug it up right."
You may find that suddenly it's not such a wonderful life.
