Georgia lawmakers got a firsthand look at the upcoming nationwide transition to digital television at the Wednesday, Jan. 14, joint House and Senate Science and Technology Committee at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. Georgia State Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) cochaired the meeting and is committed to help prepare the public for next month's scheduled transition.

"It is important to ensure every Georgian is aware of the upcoming digital transition, as many receive important announcements like the weather and emergency alerts from their television," said Staton. "Our committee will do everything we can to properly inform and prepare those who will need the converter box what the simple process is to continue using their current TV sets."

The Georgia Broadcast Association (GBA) believes fewer than three percent of Americans will be unprepared for the switch. They noted that the city of Atlanta ranks 56th in the nation as the most prepared city, and rural Georgians will be affected most by the transition. The new high digital television will make more channels available to people who live in rural Georgia.

Presenters also took time to demonstrate the process of connecting the new converter box to old television sets. GBA representatives emphasized that high digital television provides clearer pictures and more channels.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the traditional analog television signal will become obsolete. Digital converter boxes will be needed to receive over-the-air broadcast channels on televisions that use antennas. Converter boxes cost about $40 each, and the U.S. Congress has allocated two coupons for every household. So far, 43 million coupons have been mailed out.

Sen. Staton notes that anyone looking for further information on the digital television transition can either call the Federal Communications Commission at 1(888) CALL-FCC or visit their digital TV information website at DTV.gov.

For more information about the Georgia State Senate, please visit www.senate.ga.gov.