WASHINGTON: Five days out from the final DTV transition, the FCC urged folks in hurricane zones to prepare for the end of analog TV. North of 970 full-power TV stations are scheduled to end analog broadcasts this Friday.
“With hurricane season upon us, it is more important than ever to make the switch to digital television and ensure your household is prepared with proper access to television weather and other emergency information,” the commission wrote in what has now become its daily countdown. “The FCC wants to be sure consumers who have battery-powered analog televisions know they must also be sure to connect a battery-powered digital-to-analog converter box to receive emergency warnings when the power goes out.”
The agency said there were several such options, including “rechargeable battery packs, uninterruptible power supplies, car battery adapters, and small power generators.” New battery-powered DTVs were said to be available at online and brick-and-mortar retail outlets as well. Instructions on building a battery power supply are given at Digital TV Trainer. -- Deborah D. McAdams
