TV switch just a few days away

Published 6:06 pm Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The transition from analog to digital TV will be complete Friday, June 12, leaving some viewers without a means to tune in to their favorite shows.

Subscribers to cable and satellite services will not be affected, but people who have older, analog TVs will lose reception unless they attach a digital-to-analog converter to their television.

Local sales of television sets and converter boxes have been affected by the approaching deadline.

April Lucas, sales representative at Handy TV Appliance, said they have seen a small increase in TV sales recently and have sold many converter boxes as the June 12 deadline approaches.

“We actually sell every one we get in,” Lucas said. “We can’t keep them in.”

Lucas said she thinks most people are aware of the switch but expects to see sales increase after the deadline.

“I think we’re going to have a lot of angry customers,” Lucas said. “I don’t think they’re going to be happy.”

Lucas said many customers do not understand their small rabbit-ear antennas will not suffice.

Some local broadcast TV stations have already switched to the digital format.