Big TV Switch is Here

from Commercial Appeal, The ..

Most everyone knows that local television people are famous for over-hype and drama.

But it probably was not an overstatement when TV executives and news anchors proclaimed Friday's switch to digital broadcasting a significant moment in the history of television.

"This is the biggest thing to happen in broadcast television in my career," said Ron Walter, president and general manager of WREG- TV Channel 3.

Thanks to a mandate from the federal government, all TV stations switched from an analog to a digital signal. It means that unless you have cable or satellite TV or received a converter box for your analog set, you aren't able to watch TV this morning.

The conversion was originally scheduled to happen in February. But it was delayed at the request of President Barack Obama because many Americans simply were not ready for the change. Also, a February switch would have occurred during one of the heaviest times of the year for TV viewing.

If you need help with the transition, local stations have set up phone banks throughout the weekend to answer questions. And the Federal Communications Commission has a toll-free number, (888) 225- 5322, to assist TV viewers.

Broadcasters have been talking about the big switch to digital for months. And now, it's finally here.

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