Digital cable arriving in Boundary County

BONNERS FERRY — On Tuesday residents who rely on rabbit ears and antennas for television service were officially switched from analog to digital.

According to Michael Listman, chairman for Boundary County Translator District, residents in Boundary County who do not subscribe to satellite or cable will receive 15  channels and all the Spokane stations with their antenna.

“We have had calls from people complaining about not receiving all the channels,” said Listman. “The nature of the digital broadcast is it is an all or nothing signal.  If the signal drops off too low then nothing will come through.  So if this is the case, then you need to make sure you re-set your tuner and also look at your outside antenna,” he said.

Listman recommends that residents with antenna re-set the auto scan on their tuner and the tuner will automatically find the new channels.  Listmans said that if there still a problem the outside antenna may need to be adjusted to pick up the digital signal, and if it persists a booster may be needed.

“It all depends on where they live and the obstructions between them and Black Mountain.  There is enough signal to cover everyone locally,” Listman said.  People in Eastport are receiving the signal.”

Friday, July 31 is the deadline to apply for a $40 coupon from the federal government to go toward the purchase a digital converter box.  For information, call 1-888-388-2009 or 1-888-DTV-2009.