Cable TV and Digital TV Signals

Many customers have called us to ask about what they need to do when the transition to digital occurs in February 2009. The FCC has ruled that TV Broadcast stations must stop broadcasting their signal on analog frequencies by February 17, 2009. If you receive your broadcast signals through cable TV or satellite, you do not have to do anything. Scottsboro EPB has agreements in place and equipment in service that is receiving digital transmissions from all of the Huntsville and Chattanooga TV stations. REMEMBER - You do not have to do anything to prepare for this if you are a SEPB Cable Customer!!

So, you don't have to purchase a new digital or HD TV or even a digital receiver for your TV. But, if you want to take advantage of our Digital Cable and Digital HD service, you will have to subscribe to our Digital Cable Service. SEPB's Digital and Digital HD cable services are available now and use a digital set-top converter box. HD TVs do offer enhanced viewing of movies and sports programming that many customers are enjoying.

Additionally, customers ask what TV technology is right for them - tube, projection, or flat-screen are the types of TVs on the market today. For flat screens, customers have to decide whether they want LCD or Plasma. Consumers should evaluate viewing angle, screen sizes, burn-in, brightness, product life, and power consumption. Also, these larger flat-screen TVs use more energy and produce more heat that will be emitted into the room. A small room could become noticeably warmer if a large flat-screen TV is selected.

Don't be misled by some slick TV salesman and make an expensive unnecessary purchase. For example, SEPB Cable and Digital Cable customers do not have to buy a digital receiver (as much as $500 or more) if they buy a digital TV. Our digital converter box handles that and those can be rented from us for a low monthly fee. If you have additional questions about digital TV's or the digital transition, please feel free to email me at jimmy@sepb.net or call us at 574-2680.