Last modified: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:49 AM EDT Rigmor Clark of Attleboro says she'l just read more if she doesn't receive a voucher for a digital TV converter box. (Staff photo by Mike George) From rabbit ears to the digital age with mandated TV switch BY JENNIFER ROACH FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE In America's media crazed society, it is hard to picture people living without cable television - but they're here. Millions of Americans still rely on over-the-air analog signals to stay connected with the world around them. And with the government's decision to mandate all U.S. TV-watching citizens switch from analog to digital signals, many of the devoted lovers of rabbit ear antennas are worried about what the future may hold. "I don't need a digital TV, but (the government) threatens that if you don't get (a digital TV or converter box), you get no TV," said an exasperated Rigmor Clark, a 75-year-old resident of Attleboro who, like many seniors in the area, is outraged by the government's decision to force the change upon them. "I like to know what's going on - that's what TV is for," she said. Clark said she uses her old analog TV set to watch the nightly news and programs such as 60 Minutes. Her favorite show is Masterpiece Theatre on PBS, and while she enjoys watching the programs on her fuzzy, black and white TV - which she claimed is easier on her cataracts than color TV - she said she will stop watching TV all together if that's what it comes to. "I applied for one of those (converter) box coupons, and I've heard nothing since," Clark said. "I'm fed up. If I don't get my converter box, I'll just go back to reading more." Rejection of the new technology is something that worries Madeline McNeilly, director of the council on aging in Attleboro. For frail or home-bound seniors, TV is often their connection to the outside world, informing them, especially, in times of crisis. "There are 7,000 seniors we represent in this city, and of them, I'd estimate 10 percent need some assistance or are not aware that this change is going to happen," McNeilly said. "We're really very concerned about this population." McNeilly has been running a campaign out of the COA offices since this winter trying to prepare the seniors for the big transition in February. Along with information packets and regular reminders about the change in newsletter mailings, McNeilly has also brought in a representative from the FCC to educate professionals in the field of elder care to help both seniors and the disabled get what they need for the transition. The COA is even faxing applications for the converter boxes for seniors to help simplify the process. "We're trying everything we can to get the message out there," McNeilly said. Soon, McNeilly also hopes to launch a program in partnership with Meals on Wheels to get in touch with the more sedentary seniors the center may not know need help. "We don't fully know the scope of the need, but we're trying to at least prevent a crisis," McNeilly said. Communication of the message is not the only problem, Clark pointed out. "I don't like this thing at all. We're beset with a 27.5 percent increase on our electricity, and we can't afford our AC. I'm in subsidized housing, and I can't afford gas for my car - it's just one more aggravation," she said. "All Americans are facing hard times with the dismal costs of living, and we're so hard pressed to make ends meet as it is." The government does offer two $40 discount coupons per household to go toward purchasing the converter boxes, but the boxes average $60 to $70 each, and the coupons expire after only 90 days. And the challenge of another expense is something Don Houde, owner of Audio Concepts in North Attleboro worries will become another outlet through which stores and companies will try to take advantage of consumers. "There's a lot of misinformation out there," Houde said. "Everyone thinks they need a new TV. It's not that complicated to be honest with you, but the sad part is a lot of stores try to hide the fact that (some people) can get away without buying a new TV." Only those still using an outdoor antenna or rabbit ears to receive reception need to worry about a new TV or converter box, Houde said. "I feel bad for a lot of people who go out and spend a lot of money when they don't need to," he said. George Varjabedian, who does sales for Lambco TV and Appliance in Attleboro, agrees that buyers need to be informed and know what it is they need and can afford. "Downtown Attleboro is not the most affluent area," Vargabedian said. "We're not trying to take advantage of people. If they're looking for new technology and better quality, we'll help. But if they're just looking to replace their rabbit ears we can help them with that." Both Houde and Varjabedian predict many people who need to upgrade to digital will replace their systems with a new, more advanced, TV set. Houde thinks most people will only make that major purchase for their main TV, and use the converter boxed to fill any holes. "This is just the beginning," Clark said. "Soon some new gimmick will come along - like needing something to get the sound on our TVs. I've had enough of this."