Digital Changeover To Darken Most Emergency TV Sets

During next year's hurricane season most battery-powered televisions people use after storms will be the electronic equivalent of paperweights.

That's because most of the portable sets receive analog signals that will vanish from the airwaves on Feb. 17 as stations switch to digital broadcasts.

Converters will allow owners of older televisions to continue watching TV but that's little help for owners of portable sets because the converters require electricity.

"I'll just throw mine away," Ralph Metcalf said of his battery-powered set.

The change won't affect people with cable or satellite television service, but cable boxes and satellite receivers also require power.

The potential loss of television as a communication source after a disaster - such as when a hurricane knocks out power over large areas - snuck up on emergency officials.

"It didn't necessarily hit us right away. It concerns us that it does reduce one of the ways to communicate," said Holley Wade, spokeswoman for Hillsborough County emergency management.

The loss of portable televisions as a way to broadcast information after a hurricane means people will have to find alternative sources, she said.

Emergency officials will be able to broadcast over weather radios and commercial radio, the main standby after disasters.

"If we were to lose AM radio completely, that would be more of a concern," Wade said.

The conversion to digital broadcasting will have a ripple effect on some radio broadcasts.

The Federal Communications Commission Web site says radios that receive the audio portions of television broadcasts will not work for digital transmissions.

Also, radio stations that simulcast the audio portions of television broadcasts will have to buy extra equipment.

"That is a local broadcaster decision," said Clyde Ensslin, FCC spokesman.

The marketplace may provide solutions as the February deadline for the conversion nears.

At least one company makes a battery pack but it only works on its converters.

Also, newer model portable televisions can receive the digital signals and should become more affordable.

"Portable sets manufactured in recent years, all of which have digital tuners, can expect to come down in price," Ensslin said.

Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7731 or njohnson@tampatrib.com.