Off The Walt

I’m one of those people that doesn’t watch television outside of an occasional episode of Lost or America’s Funniest Videos, but I know a lot of people aren’t like me in that I constantly make sure I’m busy with something . I know I’m the one-percenter and I’m OK with that.

From dtv2009.gov:

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

So what’s that mean to you? If you have a television more than a couple years old, on 2/17/2009, you will be watching the snow channel all day long. Even in the Summer. Isn’t life wonderful?!

How can this affect you? If you have standard (analog) cable, digital cable or satellite television, you don’t have to worry about it. Note: You may still want to take advantage of this coupon program (more info below) because with times getting harder and harder, dropping subscription television is becoming a good idea. (Most people pay $1,500 or more a year!)

Be warned: Cable companies are trying to scare consumers into saying their old analog cable TV signal will not work as of February 17. This is complete fallacy. They are simply trying to get more money out of you. Do not let them do it!

How can you make sure you can still watch open-air broadcasts?
You need a converter box. Converter boxes take the newer, digital method of broadcasting and convert it into a signal older televisions can understand and then show you visually. Some people will be lucky in that they will only need the converter box, most will, even if you live in a dense population area, need a digital antenna.

The old, analog, broadcast method is onmi-directional: the signal shoots out in a circle from the antenna. Anyone within the radius, the closer the better, gets the signal.
The newer, digital, broadcast method is fixed-directional: the signal shoots out in a straight line, somewhat triangular toward the end. If you’re in the line, you win! If you’re a bit outside of the line, not so much on the win thing. This is where your digital antenna will come in handy.

Your converter box (we’ll get to that in a minute) has a small, low powered antenna, antenna that does its best, but won’t be perfect. After you get your box set up, if the signals aren’t coming in all that clearly, you’ll want to head to the store.

From dtv2009.gov:

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:

1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

Even if you don’t need a converter box right now, take advantage of the 2 coupons . You’ll have 3 months to use them. If you have to drop cable/satellite in the next 6 months, you’ll wish you took advantage of the free converter box !

Claim your two $40 coupons!

Before you get your converter box, you’ll want to do some research on what’s available. cnet offers darn good reviews on all sorts of items , including the converter boxes.
1. Check your local stores to see what models they have in stock
2. Write down the manufacturer, model and price
3. Look at cnet and see what the reviews are on the units. How noisy are they? Do they get hot? If you lose the remote, can you manually control the channel on the box itself? Will a universal remote work with it? Can you buy extra remotes?
4. Who has the best price on your favorite converter?
5. Use your coupons and buy your boxes. Consider 2 different ones – one may not work perfectly whereas the other may. This will let you know what is best for you.
6. Do this before February! Everyone will be in stores on the 18th! Don’t get caught in line, get your boxes early!

Dropping cable/satellite
There are alternatives to using cable and satellite for entertainment.
* ABC offers most of their boadcast catalog via streaming at http://abc.go.com/ . You’ll have to install a plugin to view the content, but it’s free.
* CBS offers shows as well at http://www.cbs.com/ . No plugin necessary.
* Hulu.com is my favorite spot for stuff online as it’s got shows like Heroes, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Simpsons, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, SNL and so much more. http://www.hulu.com/
* Podcasting is free to listen to as well. You can find several great shows, mostly audio, online for your listening and watching pleasure. Consider The Kore New Media Podcast Group for some great podcasts on funny news, music, movies, storytelling and much, much more at http://www.KoreNewMedia.com/

My best friend, Benjamin Adams, is going to be a husband today.

I’m very happy that he has found the right woman and will move forward never alone again.

I am honored that he offered me to be his groomsman.

Congratulations, Brother.

Update December 21, 2008:
Here are 2 great photos I took of Ben and Lara

Photo 1 | Photo 2

My friend Steve Shurmatz (who I met when I designed a website for his company) told me some time ago about his long-time girlfriend Tracy and that she had some difficulties that didn’t let her work. He seemed upset by it so I changed the subject and we moved on to something else.

A couple months ago, Steve asked me for a quote for a website to raise awareness for Tracy and her condition. After giving me some details on what she was going through, chroic headaches and consistent pain, I quickly understood why Steve was upset years earlier. It was hard for me to hear let alone him speak about. After hearing the first 5 minutes about Tracy’s Story I told him I was on board and didn’t need any further convincing. Despite his repeated demands, I told him I was doing the website design and hosting for free.

I asked them to type up what Tracy had been through, the treatments she’d dealt with and medications she’s endured. I read it as I built the website and I’ve got to admit, I was in tears thinking that someone had to go through this for a few minutes, let alone years.

The site needed to be completed by December 7, because that was the date of a benefit concert a local pub, Cheers, arranged a half-dozen bands to play and raise money for a very special lady. The website was referenced on flyers and throughout the benefit, driving people to learn more about Tracy’s yet-undiagnosed suffering.

Steve invited me to come participate and I was glad I did, I got to meet his mom, greeted the members of the band he plays drums with, Wrecktifier and sat at a table with his best friend since school, Chris. The music played throughout the night was top notch and a just tribute to Tracy.

I was very impressed that all the bands traded instruments and stage with each other. In the past, I’d only come to see Steve play but a few other groups got a new fan that night. Their generosity amongst each other was brotherly and inspiring which set the mood for the night.

I was further impressed that people who’ve never met Steve or Tracy sent money to help. People from out of state. Wow.

My grandfather was not a prophetic man, but when I was little, he once told me something to the effect of, "In the absence of light, hope still shines." I am glad to have been able to help Tracy. She’s a delightful girl and despite what she’s going through, is still keeping her spirits up.

Sadly, the guest of honor that night wasn’t able to come. She was at home, trying to deal with the pain.

Please, go read about Tracy’s Story at her website and tell a doctor about her. She’s not asking for a handout, she’s asking for a diagnosis for what’s plagueing her. In the absence of medical attention, I am putting a PayPal donation button on the site with 100% of the proceeds to help Tracy Goldbach. This was my idea, not theirs. I know folks will want to do something. Please help.