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May 26, 2009

Company offers free digital converter box hookup

BY DAVID YOUNG
DavidYoung@coloradoan.com

With the June 12 digital television deadline switch looming, a Fort Collins company, contracted with the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, is offering to hook up people's digital converter boxes for free.

DTV Helpers, a Fort Collins-based home automation service company, will be installing converter boxes throughout Northern Colorado and the Denver-metro area through June 30.

Owner Dave Staudacher said 2 percent of the population is still unprepared for the switch from analog to digital.

In the two weeks that DTV Helpers has been operational, Staudacher said he has already helped install 20 converter boxes.

The switch to digital is intended to free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications. The move will also allow for wireless companies to provide broadband connections.

According to the government, consumers also will benefit from the switch with an improved picture and sound quality. Digital TV allows broadcasters to multicast several channels at the same time, which translates to more options for the viewers.

Viewers with analog sets must acquire the digital converter box, digital TV, or use cable or satellite services to continue watching.

Viewers are eligible to request until July 31 up to two coupons worth $40 each for two digital converter boxes as part of the government's digital-to-analog converter box coupon program.

The converter boxes are available at consumer electronic retailers such as Target and RadioShack.

For those who have purchased the converter and need help setting it up, DTV Helpers is available by appointment to install and help make sure the converter is working.

Staudacher said his company will not go door to door and to be wary of people who do so.

With some stations already making the switch, problems with converter box installation depends on the areas. In Northern Colorado, Staudacher said antennas play a large role, and people who just have rabbit ears have difficulties getting reception.
Additional Facts
Interested?

> To set up an appointment with DTV Helpers, call (970) 377-3884 or e-mail dtvhelpers@gmail.com.

> For more information, visit dtv.gov.

Company offers free digital converter box hookup | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan,