Preparing seniors for 2009's digital TV switch

No one who enjoys relaxing in front of the TV likes to lose reception.

But for older Americans who rely on television for companionship, for another voice in the house, that loss could be devastating. And without help, senior advocates fear, many among that population will turn on their sets early in 2009 to find only static.

The culprit? The nation's scheduled switch to digital transmission.

Congress ordered the change from analog to digital, partly to clear frequencies for police, fire and other public safety personnel. The law requires that analog broadcasts, which take up more space on the airwaves than digital signals, be gone by Feb. 17, 2009. Consumers with analog TVs will have to upgrade to cable, satellite or a digital television, or retrofit their sets with converter boxes.

Experts worry seniors may be caught off guard.

"Many older people live alone; they have very little support nearby," said Edwin Walker, U.S. Administration on Aging deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs. "They are not in the public every day interacting with others. They run the risk of being left behind."

There are education efforts, said Jo Reed, AARP's national coordinator for livable communities and consumer issues, but without considerable financial backing, such endeavors are unlikely to provide vital personalized and technical help.

"I don't mean to sound bleak, but there are real challenges we need to address," Reed said.

Seniors, statistics show, are no more dependent on free TV than the rest of the population. Knowledge Networks/SRI of Menlo Park, Calif., reports that 17 percent of households have broadcast-only television. Among householders 65 and older, the figure is 15 percent.

But older Americans watch the most TV, according to Nielsen, the New York-based firm that rates television viewing: an average of just over six hours a day among those 55-plus.

Tiny companion

Kathleen Crosley, 65, of Berea, Ohio, watches a 13-inch hand-me-down set. Until about a year ago, when she started a new medication for debilitating back pain, she'd absorb several hours of television a day from the couch.

"It was good company for me," Crosley said. "Sometimes, I'd put my voice right in there: 'Why are you saying that?' I would be jumping right in, as if I was a character."

Now that her treatment has bestowed freedom of movement, she watches less, but still enjoys several news programs and police dramas — all free broadcasts.

"They're expensive, these digital TVs. ... If I can stay active and stay healthy, I'll have to make do," Crosley said of the switch. She'll consider a converter box — if she can afford one.

The boxes are expected to cost from $40 to $70 and should be in stores by late February or early March.

Jerry Opitz, 84, and his wife, Bonnie, 66, own three sets — in the kitchen, bedroom and dining room. He likes football, baseball and hockey. She's a fan of "Judge Judy" and "Judge Alex." Television is often on in their Queens, N.Y., home. What would they do without it?

"I guess we'd have to do something, drink martinis or something," Jerry Opitz joked. "When the time comes, we'll have to make the move" to cable.

Meredith Cox, 55, of Nashville, Tenn., recently attended a seminar developed by the National Association of Broadcasters and hosted locally by a National Council on Aging senior employment program. The association and the council, both based in Washington, are two of roughly 200 stakeholders constituting the Digital Television Transition Coalition, a broad assembly supporting consumer education.

Cox had read something earlier about the transition in a notice sent with her electric bill. But at the seminar, she said, "I learned that I don't have to go out and buy all new TVs." She appreciated the news — "money's tight."

The Federal Communications Commission, which is overseeing the digital transition, is sending field agents to senior centers to talk about the change and demonstrate converter-box setup, said spokeswoman Rosemary Kimball.

Coupon offer publicity

Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is encouraging groups that serve older adults to publicize the agency's converter-box coupon program.

On Jan. 1, the administration began taking orders for the coupons — for $40 off — online (www.dtv2009.gov), over the phone (888-DTV-2009), and by mail and fax, allowing two per household. Distribution is to start Feb. 17. The coupons expire 90 days from mailing.

Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Aging, proposed legislation in October that would require the federal government to create an extensive education campaign for older adults. The FCC would award grants to organizations to give information and technical help to seniors.

Kohl said easing the digital switch for older adults is critical.

"If you don't prepare for it, then it will overtake us, and it will be a huge crisis," Kohl said.

Losing television? A crisis?

Absolutely, say those who serve the most at risk among the older population.

Meals on Wheels Association of America members deliver food to homebound seniors. About 60 percent of their clients live alone, 85 percent have annual family incomes of less than $20,000 and about 40 percent can't or need help to walk, the Alexandria, Va.-based association reports.

For them, simply learning about the changeover, whether through pamphlets, Web sites (including the FCC's www.dtv.gov) and public-service announcements, may not be enough.

Then what? asks Peggy Ingraham, Meals on Wheels senior vice president for public policy.

"These people are not going to motor on over to Best Buy, have a conversation with the sales guy, bring [a converter] home, and hook it up," she said.