Winegard Company, a leading manufacturer of quality television reception products for over 50 years, has recently released a beta version of it's new free DTV/HDTV Antenna Selector.
The new Winegard Antenna Selector takes much of the guess work out of antenna purchases by using the in-depth knowledge of antennaweb.org and applying it to the consumer favorite Winegard antennas.
"The Antenna Selector has 6 simple steps to help you find the perfect antenna for your unique situation", said Andy Crowner, Web Marketing Manager for Winegard Company. "Entering your information from antennaweb.org you can easily find which quality Winegard antenna is right for you and if a rotor, multiple antenna system or pre-amplifier are needed."
The new Winegard Antenna Selector - BETA can be found at
http://www.winegard.com/kbase/antenna_selector.php.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time to Reapply for Converter Box Coupons
The National Association of Broadcasters has announced on it's latest DTV update that TV households may now reapply for expired digital-to-analog converter box coupons. The announcement comes just before the National Telecommunications and Information Administration press conference this morning (March 24, 2009) in which the announcement was planned.
The NTIA gained access to an additional $650 million dollars in the stimulus package and after several weeks of preparation to begin accepting coupon renewals. Previously all requests had been rejected.
Also, according to NAB there is no longer a waiting list for converter box coupons. The waiting list had grown to over 4 million before the additional money was received.
Consumers may reapply for the converter box coupon at www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx.
SS-2000 Square Shooter VHF?
Question:
I have used a variety of UHF antennas and the Square Shooter has worked the best. I still have problems picking up VHF 13 at my address. I use a rotater. Is my antenna stackable? Do you have a recommended setup? Should I use a different type antenna instead? I have used the largest available consumer antennas and they don't work as well as the square shooter.
Tech Tip:
The SS-2000 Square Shooter is basically designed to receive UHF channels 14-69. But will receive VHF channels 7-13 if the signal is strong enough. It sounds as though your channel 13 signal at approximately 33 miles is not strong enough. Do you have a digital converter box or a TV set with a digital ATSC tuner? If so do you receive channel 13.1 which is broadcasting their digital signal on channel 18 frequency? Since channel 18 is UHF you should be receiving this channel digitally.
I wish to inform you that some time between February 17TH and June 12TH channels 9, 11, and channel 13 who are now broadcasting their digital signals on UHF (channels 14-69) will shut down their analog VHF channel and then move their digital signal to their respective VHF frequency. Example channel 13 is now broadcasting their digital signal on channel 18’s UHF frequency now but after the transition they shut channel 13 VHF and move their digital signal transmission to channel 13 VHF frequency. What this means to you is that the SS-2000 Square Shooter may not receive these VHF channels as strongly as needed.
You may have to purchase a channel 7-13 antenna such as a Winegard model YA-1713 and combine it with the SS-2000 so that you have a stronger VHF signal. IF you wish to combine the YA-1713 and the SS-2000 antenna signals together you will use a UHF/VHF signal combiner. Winegard presently does not have a UHF/VHF combiner but you can find them on the internet. Or you can purchase a channel 7-69 antenna such as the Winegard model HD7697P antenna and an AP-8700 preamplifier.
8275 Pre-Amp Power Consumption
Question:
Can you please tell me what the power consumption of my Winegard 8275 pre-amp is? I am trying to use it with a one line rotor that says it will carry a +17VDC at 50mA (max)pre-amp. Is the Winegard 8275 compatible with that maximum consumption rate? Will they work together? It sure would be nice if I didn't have to run another line up on the roof.
Tech Tip:
The average power draw of the Winegard preamplifiers as follows,The AP-3700,4700,8700 2870 draw about 40-60 milliamps of current.
These are preamplifiers that have 18dB of gain or less. The AP-8275,2880,3800, 4800,8780 2880,8800, draw about 80-100 milliamps of current. These are preamplifiers that have 28dB of gain in at least one scetion of amplification.
The EAGLE ASPEN ROTOR will NOT handle the AP-8275 preamplifier since it draws too much current (80-100ma).
Can you please tell me what the power consumption of my Winegard 8275 pre-amp is? I am trying to use it with a one line rotor that says it will carry a +17VDC at 50mA (max)pre-amp. Is the Winegard 8275 compatible with that maximum consumption rate? Will they work together? It sure would be nice if I didn't have to run another line up on the roof.
Tech Tip:
The average power draw of the Winegard preamplifiers as follows,The AP-3700,4700,8700 2870 draw about 40-60 milliamps of current.
These are preamplifiers that have 18dB of gain or less. The AP-8275,2880,3800, 4800,8780 2880,8800, draw about 80-100 milliamps of current. These are preamplifiers that have 28dB of gain in at least one scetion of amplification.
The EAGLE ASPEN ROTOR will NOT handle the AP-8275 preamplifier since it draws too much current (80-100ma).
RV-WING Wingman on Older Sensars
Question:
I have a Model RV-3000 antenna and was wondering if the Wingman will work on this unit? I know this is an older model antenna.
Tech Tip:
The RV-WING (Wingman) will work on antenna RV or Sensar antenna manufactured since 1970.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New FCC Rules for DTV Transition
The FCC last week released a new set of rules for broadcasters to guide them through the rest of the digital television transition. The new set of rules dictates stations must notify viewers of signal loss and educate consumers on reception issues. Guidelines were also introduced for stations who wish to terminate their analog service before June 12, 2009.
Broadcast stations who have not yet made the transition will now be required to educate consumers about a range of issues including:
"The guiding principle here is simple -- consumers deserve to know the truth,” said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. “They will forgive a lot, but they won’t forgive being lulled into a false sense that the transition will be less disruptive or less expensive than it turns out to be."
Major Networks wishing to terminate their analog service prior to June 12 will now be required to show that over 90% of their audience will receive continuing analog service from another major network until the June 12 deadline. If more than 10% of analog viewers would lose service from all major networks then that major network affiliate is responsible for other public interest conditions including requirements for walk-in help centers, consumer referral telephone numbers and DTV education.
Broadcast stations who have not yet made the transition will now be required to educate consumers about a range of issues including:
- Signal loss: Stations must provide on-air and other notifications of potential signal loss if 2 percent or more of their analog viewers are predicted to lose service, regardless of whether stations gain viewers in other areas.
- Antennas: All stations must include information about the use of antennas as part of their consumer education campaigns, including additional information if they are changing from the VHF to UHF bands and viewers may need additional or different equipment to avoid loss of service
- Scanning: Stations must inform and remind viewers about the importance of periodically using the rescan function of their digital televisions and digital converter boxes. During the time surrounding the conclusion of the transition, many stations will be changing the service areas and the broadcast frequencies of their digital transmissions. As a result, viewers will need to periodically rescan during this period in order to ensure that they are correctly receiving all the digital broadcast services available to them.
"The guiding principle here is simple -- consumers deserve to know the truth,” said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. “They will forgive a lot, but they won’t forgive being lulled into a false sense that the transition will be less disruptive or less expensive than it turns out to be."
Major Networks wishing to terminate their analog service prior to June 12 will now be required to show that over 90% of their audience will receive continuing analog service from another major network until the June 12 deadline. If more than 10% of analog viewers would lose service from all major networks then that major network affiliate is responsible for other public interest conditions including requirements for walk-in help centers, consumer referral telephone numbers and DTV education.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Winegard Carryout Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna
BURLINGTON, Iowa – (March 6, 2009) – Winegard’s new Carryout™ Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna will be available at RV dealerships and retailers starting March 16th. At only 15.6” high and 20” diameter, it is the most compact automatic portable satellite TV antenna on the market.
A perfect partner for RVing, camping, boating, tailgating, races, wooded areas, cabins and vacation homes, the Carryout antenna can be used anytime, anyplace. RVers will be amazed at how easy the antenna is to set up and operate. No extra remote controls needed or buttons to push – the Carryout is 100% automatic! Runs off of 12V and plugs into a vehicle’s standard cigarette outlet.
“We are excited to be offering a fully loaded portable antenna at an amazing low price ($899.00 MSRP), especially with today’s tough economy,” said Aaron Engberg, director, mobile products, Winegard. “At hundreds of dollars under the competing brand we are confident the Carryout will be a sought-after product for many RVers. The great part is customers can use the Carryout for so many other activities, not just RVing.”
Featuring DVB technology, the Carryout automatically finds and switches between satellites. Compatible with all major satellite providers, the antenna receives standard and all HD programming for DISH Network® and Bell TV. Receives standard DIRECTV® programming only.
Optional accessories (sold separately) include:
Winegard Carryout™ Ladder Mount with quick disconnect – GM-3000
Mount your Carryout Automatic Portable antenna to the RV ladder for temporary or permanent installation. Weather resistant E-coat mount features quick-disconnect, so you can remove your Carryout antenna and set it on the ground or take it with you anywhere! Comes with wall plate with on/off switch for convenient operation from inside the coach, cable entry plate, 50’ coax and 50’ power cable. $249.00 MSRP.
Winegard Carryout™ 12V Power Converter – GM-1200
Sunforce 12V power converter allows you to hook up your Carryout to a 110V outlet when a 12V cigarette outlet is not available. AC/DC converter, 5.8 amps. $34.99 MSRP
For more information on the Carryout, go to www.winegard.com/carryout.
About Winegard
Winegard Company has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard enjoys a worldwide reputation that is based on many industry “firsts,” including the all-channel “Yagi” TV antenna, 82-channel antenna, antenna mounted preamplifiers, antenna amplifiers, the anodizing process, perforated aluminum satellite antenna and the RV television antenna, among others. Winegard Company currently manufactures and markets four distinct product lines:
Mobile Television Reception Products: Recreational vehicle, truck, marine, and automotive applications. Digital and HD satellite TV antennas ranging from manual crank-up models to fully automatic stationary and in-motion systems with GPS/DVB. DTV and HDTV bi-directional and omni-directional over-the-air antennas. Ground Antenna Mounts and Accessories.
Satellite TV Antennas and Mounts: Residential antennas ranging in size from 46 cm to 1 meter, including mounts and accessories.
Over-the-Air DTV/HDTV Antennas: DTV and HDTV VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna Systems, Distribution and Preamplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
Telemetry: Medical and Data Antenna Systems, Distribution Amplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
For technical product questions, contact Winegard Customer Service at 800-288-8094 or visit www.winegard.com; for additional downloadable press releases and images, visit Winegard's online pressroom, www.editorpressroom.com/winegard.
Monday, March 9, 2009
HDTV/DTV Reception Basics
Tech Tip:
Welcome to the Winegard Company HDTV/DTV Reception Basics Guide. Here you will find easy to understand information on how television signal is broadcast and viewed in your home for free, what equipment is required, troubleshooting and terminology.
Can I Really Receive High Definition Television For Free?
Yes! Television signals are broadcast and received in a similar manner to your radio. You could pay a monthly fee and get satellite radio, or you could listen to the many great local stations available for free in your area.
I Grew Up With only 3 Channels!
Broadcast television networks have grown significantly in the past decade and with the on-set of digital technology are now broadcasting multiple channel options. From 1956-1986 there were a total of 3 national networks (ABC, CBS and NBC). Today, more than 20 nationwide broadcasting networks exist including PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Many networks now offer multiple channels such as PBS which broadcasts PBS YOU, PBS KIDS, PBS KIDS Sprout, PBS WORLD and PBS-HD. Some of which aren’t even available on pay TV!
Which networks are available in my area?
Find out here! - (TitanTV)
What Else Has Changed?
Besides an exponential increase in the number of channels available, the picture quality of free over the air television is now the Gold Standard of digital television. Some networks are also broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
How do I Receive Free HDTV/DTV Programming?
Receiving Free DTV and HDTV programming consists of 3 basic elements.
- The transmitter that sends the DTV signal. (The Television Network)
- The antenna that picks up the DTV signal. (Your Antenna)
- The tuner to display the signal on your display. (Your TV or Converter Box)
The Transmitter
Your local broadcast TV stations have powerful transmitters high on towers, usually located in a central area, outputting a DTV signal. These TV towers serve a market within a specific area or “footprint”. If you are in the “footprint” of the broadcast tower, you should be able to receive the signal from that tower with the proper antenna.
Broadcast frequencies are broken up into the following categories:
- VHF (Very High Frequency): 54 Mhz – 216 Mhz, Channels 2 – 13
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): 470 Mhz – 698 Mhz, Channels 14 – 69
- 698 Mhz – 806 Mhz: Formerly used for television and will now be freed up for future 4G services like W-Max. Pay satellite services, cell phone providers and other such companies use these frequencies.
With this huge amount of bandwidth, over the air digital television has plenty of room to provide uncompressed HDTV. What this means is if you’re watching a football game or any HDTV program you will get a sharper, more colorful, better quality image than the same game on the same channel with satellite or cable.
The large amount of bandwidth also allows users of free over the air DTV to receive expanded programming. Basically, there are more channels available because you can fit 6 DTV channels where one analog channel use to be.
The Antenna
The piece of equipment that captures the signal from the transmitter and sends it to your television or converter box is the antenna. The antenna is the most important link in your DTV system. The proximity in which you live to the broadcast towers, the terrain in between and the frequencies (channels) the TV stations are transmitting on determine the type of antenna needed to capture the DTV signal. The signal DTV stations are broadcast on is line of sight. So, the flatter the terrain and the fewer obstacles between the transmitter and the antenna the better.
Generally, the closer you live to a transmitter, the smaller the antenna you need. As you move father from the transmitter, there is less available signal and you need a larger antenna to capture as much signal as possible.
In some cases, trees, buildings or other obstacles degrade signal quality in your area. A larger antenna may be needed to receive the low amount of signal. Since TV stations are transmitting digital stations on both VHF and UHF in 98% of the US, you will need a VHF/UHF combination antenna to receive all available channels in your area. Make sure the antenna receives both UHF and VHF or you are coupling a VHF antenna to a UHF antenna where needed.
Which antenna is right for you? Find out here! (AntennaWeb)
The Tuner
The final part of your Free DTV and HDTV system is your tuner. Most televisions produced after 2004 have a built-in digital tuner that will take the signal from your antenna and display it on your television. Televisions without a digital tuner will need a digital converter box to decode the digital signal from the antenna.
If you are using a converter box you will receive a DVD quality digital picture. You will need an HDTV to display true High Definition on screen. HDTV’s automatically display High Definition programming when it is available without any setting changes.
DISH Network Interactive Awards
DISH Network has announced its 2009 Interactive Television Summit Award winners celebrating the best developers in interactive television (iTV).
DISH Network's iTV service hosts a series of applications including DishGAMES, DISH Network's six channel mosaic, and other unique features like Papa John's store proximity locator. DISH Network also uses the service to host interactive advertisements (iAds) which allow viewers to activate triggers which lead to specialized content such as information pages, discount coupons and long form advertising channels.
"This was a remarkable year for iTV and our annual Summit serves as an excellent way to celebrate our successes and discuss new opportunities," said Scott Higgins, director of iTV for DISH Network. "Whether it's growing our Ad Sales unit, launching targeted interactive marketing campaigns for our clients or adding new, innovative games and services to our platform, iTV continues to expand at an amazing rate."
DISH Network recognized winners in seven categories:
DISH Network's iTV service hosts a series of applications including DishGAMES, DISH Network's six channel mosaic, and other unique features like Papa John's store proximity locator. DISH Network also uses the service to host interactive advertisements (iAds) which allow viewers to activate triggers which lead to specialized content such as information pages, discount coupons and long form advertising channels.
"This was a remarkable year for iTV and our annual Summit serves as an excellent way to celebrate our successes and discuss new opportunities," said Scott Higgins, director of iTV for DISH Network. "Whether it's growing our Ad Sales unit, launching targeted interactive marketing campaigns for our clients or adding new, innovative games and services to our platform, iTV continues to expand at an amazing rate."
DISH Network recognized winners in seven categories:
- Develper of the Year: BIAP
- Best New Application: BIAP
- Best Game Developer: Oberon
- Best in Marketing: Oberon
- Best New Technology: OpenTV
- Best iAd: Brightline
- Best Special Event: Ensequence and NBC
Small Antenna w/ Great Results
Question: We live in an area where the style of antenna we can use is restricted. The homeowners association doesn't allow the typical style roof top antennas. However, small, inconspicuous antennas are okay. We tried an amplified rabbit ear style antenna in the attic, but have limited results. Can you recommend an inconspicuous antenna for outside? Or, something for the attic?
Tech Tip: The Winegard HD-1080 would be a small and effective choice for your situation. Another antenna option would be the GS-1100 Sensar III antenna. We have not had any complaints about these antennas from any home owner associations that I know of.
Sensar (Batwing) - Splitter effects
Question: I want to connect 2 TV sets to one Winegard Sensar rooftop antenna. I know splitting will degrade the signal, but how much?
Tech Tip: You will loose 3.5dB (30%) of your signal with a 2 way splitter. You can add a Winegard HDA-100 distribution amplifier ahead of your splitter if you need. However try just the splitter first because you may have enough signal and you can always add the HDA-100 later if it turns out that you need one.
DTV Coupons Available Next Week
The Office of Management and Budget has announed that funding for DTV-to-analog converter box coupon program has reached the National Telecommunications and Information Administration making it likely that coupons will once again begin to flow to consumers next week.
"We apportioned these funds earlier this week; coupons will start being received next week," confirmed an OMB official.
The $40 coupons, up to two per household, allow analog over-the-air TV's to display a digital signal. Over a third of TV stations have now gone all digital after more than 400 pulled the plug on the original DTV hard date of Feb. 17.
The NTIA has announced it will take several weeks to service the backlog of requests and expects another rush of requests as consumers are informed that the coupons are once again flowing. The bill that moved the hard transition date also allowed everyone with expired coupons to reapply for those coupons.
For more information on the DTV Transition visit the Winegard Company DTV Transition Guide at http://www.winegard.com/dtv.
Winegard Carryout Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna
BURLINGTON, Iowa – (March 6, 2009) – Winegard’s new Carryout™ Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna will be available at RV dealerships and retailers starting March 16th. At only 15.6” high and 20” diameter, it is the most compact automatic portable satellite TV antenna on the market.
A perfect partner for RVing, camping, boating, tailgating, races, wooded areas, cabins and vacation homes, the Carryout antenna can be used anytime, anyplace. RVers will be amazed at how easy the antenna is to set up and operate. No extra remote controls needed or buttons to push – the Carryout is 100% automatic! Runs off of 12V and plugs into a vehicle’s standard cigarette outlet.
“We are excited to be offering a fully loaded portable antenna at an amazing low price ($899.00 MSRP), especially with today’s tough economy,” said Aaron Engberg, director, mobile products, Winegard. “At hundreds of dollars under the competing brand we are confident the Carryout will be a sought-after product for many RVers. The great part is customers can use the Carryout for so many other activities, not just RVing.”
Featuring DVB technology, the Carryout automatically finds and switches between satellites. Compatible with all major satellite providers, the antenna receives standard and all HD programming for DISH Network® and Bell TV. Receives standard DIRECTV® programming only.
Optional accessories (sold separately) include:
Winegard Carryout™ Ladder Mount with quick disconnect – GM-3000
Mount your Carryout Automatic Portable antenna to the RV ladder for temporary or permanent installation. Weather resistant E-coat mount features quick-disconnect, so you can remove your Carryout antenna and set it on the ground or take it with you anywhere! Comes with wall plate with on/off switch for convenient operation from inside the coach, cable entry plate, 50’ coax and 50’ power cable. $249.00 MSRP.
Winegard Carryout™ 12V Power Converter – GM-1200
Sunforce 12V power converter allows you to hook up your Carryout to a 110V outlet when a 12V cigarette outlet is not available. AC/DC converter, 5.8 amps. $34.99 MSRP
For more information on the Carryout, go to www.winegard.com/carryout.
About Winegard
Winegard Company has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard enjoys a worldwide reputation that is based on many industry “firsts,” including the all-channel “Yagi” TV antenna, 82-channel antenna, antenna mounted preamplifiers, antenna amplifiers, the anodizing process, perforated aluminum satellite antenna and the RV television antenna, among others. Winegard Company currently manufactures and markets four distinct product lines:
Mobile Television Reception Products: Recreational vehicle, truck, marine, and automotive applications. Digital and HD satellite TV antennas ranging from manual crank-up models to fully automatic stationary and in-motion systems with GPS/DVB. DTV and HDTV bi-directional and omni-directional over-the-air antennas. Ground Antenna Mounts and Accessories.
Satellite TV Antennas and Mounts: Residential antennas ranging in size from 46 cm to 1 meter, including mounts and accessories.
Over-the-Air DTV/HDTV Antennas: DTV and HDTV VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna Systems, Distribution and Preamplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
Telemetry: Medical and Data Antenna Systems, Distribution Amplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
For technical product questions, contact Winegard Customer Service at 800-288-8094 or visit www.winegard.com; for additional downloadable press releases and images, visit Winegard's online pressroom, www.editorpressroom.com/winegard.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Analog TV watchers not ready for digital world
(CNN) -- Sooner or later, James Richter knows the rabbit-ear antennas on his old-fashioned television will listen for a signal and hear nothing.
Old TV sets at a California recycling center last month. Many analog TV owners aren't ready to switch to digital.
The 36-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, said he tried to convert his analog TV to digital but was turned down for a government coupon. He doesn't seem to mind.
"With the economy, I don't have enough cash to do cable, so I'm just really debating whether or not I really want to make that switch to digital," Richter said.
Richter will have four months longer to make up his mind after Congress voted Wednesday to delay the end of TV's rabbit-ears era.
On June 12, analog TV signals will end and only digital signals will remain. Old televisions like Richter's won't accept the new form of broadcast.
People with cable TV or satellite service will not be affected.
The switch had been scheduled for February 17, but Congress delayed the conversion -- which had been planned for years -- to accommodate people like Richter who had not been able to update their TVs.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration offered a program to help people buy converter boxes that make old TVs work in the new era. That giveaway didn't meet demand, though, and as of late January, more than 3.2 million people were on the program's waiting list.
More than 6.5 million U.S. households, or 5.7 percent, were not ready for the crossover last month, according to an estimate from the Nielsen Company.
There's been little made of the people behind those numbers, though, as media reports largely have focused on the mechanics of the switch and the politics of when and how it will happen. Many of those who haven't bought converters are poor, older than 55, rural residents or racial minorities, according to Nielsen's estimates. Some of them told CNN they couldn't afford to pay for cable or satellite TV service.
While a person can live without TV, some of the late converts to digital depend on television for information and companionship.
"I live here by myself, so it will be a big deal for me," said Monica Lawson, a 42-year-old from rural Alto, Georgia. "Even just a couple hours a day of having that extra interaction, it's a stress reliever for me."
Lawson said she got a coupon to buy the digital converter box for her analog television as soon as they became available. She's attached the box to her TV, but her signal got worse.
"Basically I'm downgrading at this point," she said. "I'll go from having four or five channels I can watch on a regular basis to having one channel I can watch every now and then -- if at all."
Lawson, who is a real-estate appraiser and practices kinesiology, said she can't afford satellite service because her business has dropped with the economy.
She falls into a category of people who may lose their TV coverage with the switch to digital. It's likely the result of a phenomenon called the "cliff effect." While analog signals fizzle out over long distances, digital signals tend to stop completely at a certain falling-off point.
"With digital, you get a great picture or nothing," said Mark Wigfield, spokesperson for the Federal Communications Commission.
Some remote areas of the country could lose reception when analog signals stop in June, said Shermaze Ingram, spokesperson for the National Association of Broadcasters, an advocacy group that has been trying to inform people about the switch since 2006.
On the whole, studies show more people will get TV signals than will lose them in the switch to digital, Ingram said. The National Association of Broadcasters supports delaying the change until June in part because it will cause fewer people to go without TV after the change.
"There's no question that television is an important piece of the fabric of American life," Ingram said.
Congress elected to delay the digital switch in part because lawmakers don't want people to go without TV.
George Touchine, a 64-year-old from Gallup, New Mexico, said he has not gotten a converter coupon yet and cannot find the device in local stores. He said he will check back often, though, and hopes to be able to switch to digital in the coming days.
Like Touchine, more than 12 percent of New Mexico households in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque TV market are not ready for the switch, making the area the least prepared in the nation, according to Nielsen.
Being left out of the switch would be a big deal for Touchine. He is retired and says he spends a substantial part of his evening watching TV with his wife.
"I just watch the news all the time, that's all I want," he said. "I get the weather, the news, what's going on -- all of it -- I want to know it."
The annoyance of having to convert to digital may push Richter, the man in Atlanta, away from television entirely.
Richter said he left a bad job as a local truck driver four years ago and hasn't been able to find steady work since. He's given up luxuries like cable TV, an Internet connection and movie rentals to make ends meet.
He said he applied for the free converter about a month ago but was turned down at least temporarily because all of the coupons had been given out.
He doesn't buy the idea that he needs a television to alert him about emergencies or severe weather.
"I do have a radio and I also have a cell phone. If something's really, really bad, someone can call me," he said. "And I figure if there's a nuclear war, it will be everywhere. Someone will let me know."
If Richter eventually gets a free converter box, he'll consider joining the digital TV world. But if not, he said won't be angry at the government for the delays.
He thinks he might be better off without all that extra noise.
As Seen
(CNN) -- Sooner or later, James Richter knows the rabbit-ear antennas on his old-fashioned television will listen for a signal and hear nothing.
Old TV sets at a California recycling center last month. Many analog TV owners aren't ready to switch to digital.
The 36-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, said he tried to convert his analog TV to digital but was turned down for a government coupon. He doesn't seem to mind.
"With the economy, I don't have enough cash to do cable, so I'm just really debating whether or not I really want to make that switch to digital," Richter said.
Richter will have four months longer to make up his mind after Congress voted Wednesday to delay the end of TV's rabbit-ears era.
On June 12, analog TV signals will end and only digital signals will remain. Old televisions like Richter's won't accept the new form of broadcast.
People with cable TV or satellite service will not be affected.
The switch had been scheduled for February 17, but Congress delayed the conversion -- which had been planned for years -- to accommodate people like Richter who had not been able to update their TVs.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration offered a program to help people buy converter boxes that make old TVs work in the new era. That giveaway didn't meet demand, though, and as of late January, more than 3.2 million people were on the program's waiting list.
More than 6.5 million U.S. households, or 5.7 percent, were not ready for the crossover last month, according to an estimate from the Nielsen Company.
There's been little made of the people behind those numbers, though, as media reports largely have focused on the mechanics of the switch and the politics of when and how it will happen. Many of those who haven't bought converters are poor, older than 55, rural residents or racial minorities, according to Nielsen's estimates. Some of them told CNN they couldn't afford to pay for cable or satellite TV service.
While a person can live without TV, some of the late converts to digital depend on television for information and companionship.
"I live here by myself, so it will be a big deal for me," said Monica Lawson, a 42-year-old from rural Alto, Georgia. "Even just a couple hours a day of having that extra interaction, it's a stress reliever for me."
Lawson said she got a coupon to buy the digital converter box for her analog television as soon as they became available. She's attached the box to her TV, but her signal got worse.
"Basically I'm downgrading at this point," she said. "I'll go from having four or five channels I can watch on a regular basis to having one channel I can watch every now and then -- if at all."
Lawson, who is a real-estate appraiser and practices kinesiology, said she can't afford satellite service because her business has dropped with the economy.
She falls into a category of people who may lose their TV coverage with the switch to digital. It's likely the result of a phenomenon called the "cliff effect." While analog signals fizzle out over long distances, digital signals tend to stop completely at a certain falling-off point.
"With digital, you get a great picture or nothing," said Mark Wigfield, spokesperson for the Federal Communications Commission.
Some remote areas of the country could lose reception when analog signals stop in June, said Shermaze Ingram, spokesperson for the National Association of Broadcasters, an advocacy group that has been trying to inform people about the switch since 2006.
On the whole, studies show more people will get TV signals than will lose them in the switch to digital, Ingram said. The National Association of Broadcasters supports delaying the change until June in part because it will cause fewer people to go without TV after the change.
"There's no question that television is an important piece of the fabric of American life," Ingram said.
Congress elected to delay the digital switch in part because lawmakers don't want people to go without TV.
George Touchine, a 64-year-old from Gallup, New Mexico, said he has not gotten a converter coupon yet and cannot find the device in local stores. He said he will check back often, though, and hopes to be able to switch to digital in the coming days.
Like Touchine, more than 12 percent of New Mexico households in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque TV market are not ready for the switch, making the area the least prepared in the nation, according to Nielsen.
Being left out of the switch would be a big deal for Touchine. He is retired and says he spends a substantial part of his evening watching TV with his wife.
"I just watch the news all the time, that's all I want," he said. "I get the weather, the news, what's going on -- all of it -- I want to know it."
The annoyance of having to convert to digital may push Richter, the man in Atlanta, away from television entirely.
Richter said he left a bad job as a local truck driver four years ago and hasn't been able to find steady work since. He's given up luxuries like cable TV, an Internet connection and movie rentals to make ends meet.
He said he applied for the free converter about a month ago but was turned down at least temporarily because all of the coupons had been given out.
He doesn't buy the idea that he needs a television to alert him about emergencies or severe weather.
"I do have a radio and I also have a cell phone. If something's really, really bad, someone can call me," he said. "And I figure if there's a nuclear war, it will be everywhere. Someone will let me know."
If Richter eventually gets a free converter box, he'll consider joining the digital TV world. But if not, he said won't be angry at the government for the delays.
He thinks he might be better off without all that extra noise.
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