COLUMBIA, SC -- The Cook family is seeing plenty of static these days in their Cayce living room. They aren't ready for the switch to digital because they still get their favorite show through an analog signal.
The family describes their current signal as "just so snowy and wouldn't be still."
Julie Kim is having the same problems. After work, she likes spending time with friends, chatting it up while making dinner and watching TV, but what they're watching doesn't always look so good either.
Besides your analog TV, there are two other key things you need to make sure you're getting digital TV if you're not using cable or satellite. You need a converter box and an antenna, but not all antennas are made in the same shape or style.
Whitehall TV owner Wayne Norris has met many folks who are confused about the DTV transition and wants people to know it's simple to get ready.
Norris says, "You don't have to have a high-priced antenna if it's indoor to work."
Norris also says depending on where you live, you may need to get a different antenna, one that can receive a clear signal on both UHF and VHF bands.
"An indoor antenna will not work as good as an outdoor antenna. An outdoor antenna is designed (to work) if you're a pretty good ways from the tower," he says.
With that information in mind, WACH FOX 57 station engineer Mike Wilson and Reporter Jonathan Oh went to help Julie Kim and the Cook family with the digital switch. After our visit, there was a big difference.
Julie's friend Sunny Kim was greatly surprised, "Wow. The picture is much clearer. They can see better, so I like it."
Over in Cayce, the Cooks are also ready for the switch.
"It's really a clear picture. It's as if they had satellite or cable, and we're really appreciative of you coming out and making sure we're getting all our channels."
Simple tasks anyone can do to be DTV ready.
The station is helping you get ready for the DTV transition, and during the week of November 10, you can register to win one of five antennas you can use to help improve digital reception. Stop by the "WACH Talks Digital TV" at the top of this page to register for your chance to win.
Also, if you want to see what antenna would work best for you, stop by the antenna Web site. The link is provided below.