DTV and YOU (and me, too.)

Frazzle Dazzle.

(I didn't make this cute pin, but I've been wearing it a lot -- it represents how I feel about digital television!)

I have been more than a bit frantic this week. As I mentioned in an earlier post, WKAR turns off its analog signal next week, and we’re getting calls and e-mails about reception problems almost faster than we can handle them. All this and other deadlines (like a magazine with press deadlines and preparing for a conference next week) is making me a little frazzled!

Wednesday, we did a live digital call-in show, which I’m co-hosted with my buddy Matt Ottinger of QuizBusters, our local game show. Matt’s fun and it was a great time!


We interviewed engineers who explained what was happening and included demos on setting up converter boxes, VCRs with the box, and scanning.

My biggest concern was deciding which clothes will would help me look best (meaning thinner). And getting the make-up right.

We'll be putting it on our YouTube site soon. There’s lots of good information relevant for people anywhere dealing with the digital transition. I’ll let you know when it goes up.

Meanwhile, it was the start of zoo-time. The phones were ringing off the hook for well over an hour. I don't know how many questions were answered, but we split up the call-backs and I had 35.

That doesn't count the more-than-35 calls that came to my voice mail and tons of e-mails, all about digital, receptions, and coupons.

Speaking of which, the program funding coupons ran out of money. Waiting list only. There is talk of moving the digital date, but we're still planning on turning off our signal next week -- work to do to get us ready for a frequency switch, plus saving viewer dollars on electricity.

So, no digital television set or converter box (or cable or satellite), no TV.

People are mad. Like we haven't been talking about this -- A LOT -- for the past six or more months? (FCC required all stations to air announcements at great frequency; if you watch telly, you can't miss it, and if you don't, you don't care!)

If you will need a converter box or know someone who does – bad news. The national government program providing discount coupons has run out of money and are only taking names on a waiting list. It’s important for anyone who ordered coupons before but didn’t use them to pass them on to someone who needs them. Pass the word.

I know to lots of people, all this buzz seems more like Y2K. But I’m answering emails and phone calls everyday, along with doing presentations. People are having problems all over. So, if you know how to hook up a cable or turn a telly around so that someone unable to do so can get the box hooked up, please help!

Right now my mind is overflowing with things I want to write, create, knit and do. (Not to mention getting down Christmas.) So, I may just have very brief or photo posts for a day or two. I’ll be back!