Poll: 6 percent not ready for DTV switch

Raleigh, N.C. — Broadcasters have been working to get the word out about the switch to digital television, which begins Feb. 17. A new Elon University poll shows that not everyone has got the message, however.

Elon surveyed 477 people in the Raleigh area and found that 6 percent of households are completely or partially unready for the switch.

Of those 6 percent, 25 percent said they don’t know what they’re going to do about it.

When television broadcasts make the digital switch next February, viewers with analog sets who rely on an antenna will need a converter box to view their favorite shows – or any shows.

Converter boxes are available for sale online, at electronics stores and at general retailers.

People who receive their signals through cable or satellite dishes should have no problem because the providers have said they accommodate the change for their customers.