What: FCC information about change from analog to digital television

When: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27

Where: Public room of Rumford Public Library

Digital TV to be explained

RUMFORD – Area people will have a chance to get their questions about next month’s changeover from analog to digital television reception answered when a representative from the Federal Communications Commission visits the Rumford Public Library.

Claudia Reynolds, reference librarian, said Nandan Joshi of Washington, D.C., will bring demonstration equipment needed for the changeover and brochures with answers to many questions and contact addresses to the public room of the library at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27.

She said the FCC has made field agents available for the presentations throughout the state and country.

She said this area has problems with reception because of the mountains and its rural character.

“This will point people in the right direction,” she said.

Maine Public Television made the switch to digital on Jan. 11. The remaining stations are scheduled to go digital on Feb. 17. That means that televisions with rabbit ears or roof antennas will likely no longer be able to receive signals. People using satellites or cable will likely not require a converter box for reception.

“We want to make sure people have a chance to come in and ask questions,” Reynolds said.

The government has been offering coupons that would pay most of the cost of converter boxes that attach to nondigital capable televisions. Converter boxes may be purchased at retailers that deal in electronics. Reynolds said that program is temporarily suspended, but will likely be reactivated.

People may learn the status of the government coupon program by logging onto www.ntia.doc.gov/ or call 1-888-388-2009

People may go to several Web sites, including www.tvfool.com, www.dtv.gove, and www.dtvanswers.com, for further information on the changeover.

Copy the Story Link