If your television is more than 4 years old . . . you might not be able to watch Madison City Channel, Channel 12, er, Channel 994 as of August 12. For everyone that thinks that the great switch to digital television won’t be a problem for them because they have cable may be in for a surprise. In order to get the Madison City Channel, you’re going to need a new box for your television unless you have a television that is new in last four years. And, while it is free for the first 6 months, it will end up costing you $5 per month or $60 per year after the first 6 months. (So much for the great rate savings promised with the great telecommuniciations act!) The full memo is here and here’s some details you need to know:
- Channel 12 will be moved to 994 with the other government channels (C-span, Wisconsin Eye etc.) called the “Public Affairs Neighborhood”.
- The government channels will remain part of the basic cable package.
- You will need a tv that has a “QAM” tuner or a digital converter box. If you already have premium services like HBO or Pay-per-view you already have a digital converter box.
It’s important to understand that this is not the same thing as the FCC mandated switch to digital in February that you have been seeing commercials for. It is a different converter box.
The good news is that all of Dane County will get channel 994 which means that County Board meetings will be able to be viewed by the entire county. The other good news is that City Channel will be streamed 24/7 at www.madisoncitychannel.tv.
