Digital transition comes Friday

New Haven (WTNH) - The switch to digital television is coming in two days. And, although time is running out, there is still help out there to get those not prepared up to speed.

There is an approximated 99-percent of Connecticut households ready for the switch.

Blanca Santana is the executive director for the Spanish Community of Wallingford. She said the switch is going to be a good change.

"The picture is crisp," she said. "It's much better."

Santana owns a TV set that is probably about two-decades old but it still works well. She said that even after after the transition to digital television on Friday, the TV will still operate because she she has it hooked up to a digital converter box.

In essence, the old TV is receiving a new, over-the-air digital signal.

For the next two months, that TV set will stay right at the Spanish Community of Wallingford; it's a designated DTV walk-in help center where people can get help making the transition.

"We'll walk them through," Santana said. "And they'll have a hands-on demonstration, as well."

Electronic retailers, like Bernie's, have been fielding questions about DTV for awhile; since well-before the initial, but ultimately delayed, February 17th date.

Velardi: "What would you say is probably the most frequently asked question that you've been getting?"
Al Dimicco of Bernie's: "Do I have to buy a new TV set?"

The answer to that question is no. Although, Dimicco revealed that some people have been using the DTV transition as an excuse to upgrade to a better TV.

The bottom line is if you've got cable, satellite or a telecom service, you're all set.

It's older televisions, with rabbit ears, that will need a converter box. It's a relatively simple process but intimidating nonetheless.

"People just got acclimated to what they did have in the past and it served them so well for many years," said Dimicco. "Change is a little different for them."

But at the walk-in help center, in Wallingford, Santana said she wants to make sure people see how easy the transition can be.

"It's not that tough. It's very simple. And, if somebody were to come here, they'll see how simple it is," she said. "It's only got two plugs in the back and you just hook it up."

There are also DTV help centers at the Aspira Foundation of Bridgeport and the Hispanic Center of Greater Danbury. Much like the center at the Spanish Community of Wallingford, they're open seven days a week from noon until 8 p.m. through July 31st.