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Grand Rapids Press:
The transition to digital television is a mere two-and-a-half weeks away. Unlike the previous Feb. 17 target for the shift from analog TV, this deadline offers no excuses to the unprepared. The four-month delay from Congress bought procrastinators more time and offered everyone a second chance to receive a coupon for a converter box. Though a number of people will be left watching snow instead of their favorite show, the switch should proceed. On June 12, television stations across the country will begin broadcasting through a digital rather than an analog signal. For people who have cable or satellite television, the switch won't be a problem. Viewers who rely on rabbit ears or roof-top antennas and who do not have internal digital tuners in their current sets, will need converter boxes to continue to watch TV ... As part of the stimulus package, Congress authorized another $650 million for coupons and extended the deadline. The additional help has reduced the unprepared to 3.5 million -- a big number, yes, but significantly fewer than before. Those who remain digital-unready have been inundated with information and assistance. Coupons remain available, and the Federal Communications Commission will help install converter boxes on a case-by-case basis... Editorial: Digital TV switch should occur on schedule (Wed, 5/27)
