Jackson Free Press

Congress extended the deadline for TV stations to broadcast in a digital format from midnight tonight until June 12, 2009. Some local stations are taking advantage of this extension to allow viewers extra time to obtain a converter box or switch to satellite or cable TV providers. Local stations WAPT, WLBT, and WJTV, are each postponing their conversion until the extended deadline.

"The government issued coupons for people to purchase converter boxes but most of them expired before they had a chance to buy them. Then the government ran out of funding and people were put on waiting lists to receive coupons. The new stimulus package will renew the funding," says Dan Modisett, General Manager of WLBT.

Mississippi Public Broadcasting, however, will make the switch at midnight tonight.

"We will shut off the analog transmission at midnight," says Jay Woods, Director of Content for MPB. "The Department of
Commerce released figures that state 97% of Americans are aware of the upcoming changes in respect to the federal mandate that all broadcasters switch to a digital format. All eight of our digital transmitters are at full power and are prepared for the switch."

MPB installed a special hotline for viewers to call if they have any questions concerning the change. The number is 877-700-7878.

Consumers do not need to purchase new digital TVs to receive digital signals. They will need a converter box, however, if they have an analog TV and are not subscribed to a cable or satellite provider. To purchase a converter box, visit local retail stores or go online. Generally, the prices range from $40 to $60.