Need help w/ the DTV Transition?

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Free How-to Clinics: Getting Ready for the Digital TV Transition

The City of Austin together with Austin Free-Net are sponsoring Free How-to Clinics helping people with getting their old TV’s ready to accept digital television signals. Drop in from Wednesday June 3rd to Friday June 12th for 10-20 minute informational sessions to be held on the 2nd floor of the DeWitty Center. No appointment required!

• Learn how to apply for a $40 coupon
• Learn how to hook up your converter box
• Learn what TV signals will work after June 12
• Pick-up free how-to guides
• Learn about antennas
• Learn what’s happening on June 12 and how it affects YOU!

Arthur B. DeWitty Job Training Center
2209 Rosewood Ave.
(corner of Northwestern Ave.)

Starting Wed. June 3rd - Fri. June 12th
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 10am – 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 7 pm
Friday: 10am - 1pm

Also open Saturday, June 13th and Monday June 15th from 10 AM to 4 PM

For more info call Austin Free-Net:
(512) 236-8225 Ext. 10

You can also seek assistance in-person, by coming to the KXAN Austin News studios located at:

908 W. MLK Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78701

Hours: M-F 9-5pm

By now you've probably heard about digital television. You know that local TV stations around the country are transitioning to digital TV. But you might not know what that means for you. Here's a guide to help you understand the new universe of digital TV.

KXAN and The CW Austin are already broadcasting in digital and analog, but will halt the analog signal on June 12.

Broadcasters are changing to digital because the government has mandated that local TV stations must provide their programming in the new broadcasting technology known as digital TV.

Digital brings a crisper, clearer look to your TV picture. Digital technology also lets broadcasters transmit network programming in high-definition as well, also a much sharper picture. Finally, digital technology is also more efficient and frees up space to transmit other information, such as safety services or additional channels.

Some local stations are currently sending their programming today in digital, but they also are continuing to transmit their signals in analog. A few have made the switch entirely to digital.

But none will continue to transmit their programs in analog after June 12, 2009, per the government mandate.

However you won't lose your local programming on that date. Nor do you have to rush out today to buy a new set.  But here's what you will need to know to keep receiving your regular programs from the local station.

The big question you probably have is what do you need to buy?

All high-definition sets are also digital, but not all digital sets are high-definition.

If you decide to take the high-definition plunge, you'll need a new set. High-definition sets have dropped significantly in price the last few years. While you can still spend several thousand for a fancy model to hang on the wall or stretch across your living room, the good news is you can also buy a high-definition set for under $500 today. Head into any electronics retailer that sells TVs and you should be able to find one. You may want to check a consumer guide in advance for specific details on makes and models.

Once you've got the set, you'll either need to sign up for high-definition programming from your cable provider or satellite operator. But if you don't have cable, you can still get high-definition signals and digital TV. You simply need an antenna appropriate for your location receive your local programming free over the air on your new high-definition set.

Also, remember that if you don't want to invest in a high-definition TV, your set won't go dark on June 13, 2009. You can essentially turn your analog TV of today into a TV that receives digital signals simply with a converter box. You might even be eligible to receive a government subsidy towards the purchase of one. You can also buy a converter box from most electronics stores like Best Buy, Radio Shack or a locally-owned dealer.

When you go to the store, simply tell the salesperson that you need a high-definition receiver to get digital signals.

Many consumers don't realize they must sign up for HD programming from their cable or satellite operator, or use rabbit ears to receive the programming free via their local broadcaster.

So if you do buy that new set, don't forget to get the programming too!