 
THE END OF THE ANALOG ERA
We have heard a lot about the digital converter boxes and the end of analog signals over the last several months. We found out today that few of us are actually affected by this. Just two Rotarians present at today's meeting receive their television signals through an analog input. Evans stated that just 12% of Kentuckians will be affected by the change-over. Individuals who are not already receiving their television programming through a digital means have three easy options available to them to convert from analog to digital: they can purchase a DTV converter box, they can purchase a new television with a DTV tuner built in, or they can subscribe to cable or satellite service. Those considering the purchase of a DTV converter box have federal assistance available to them to make the switch. By logging on to www.dtvanswers.com individuals may request up to two coupons at a value of $40 each to purchase their converter box. Standard retail pricing on the units is approximately $40. Evans also educated Rotarians as to how they can get their network channels for free. Using a UHF HD antenna (retail cost $50 - $75) enables individuals to capture HD television signals for network channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS. One can even wire the antenna directly to their satellite or cable box and have the channels display within their satellite or cable program guides. This is even true for those using HD DVR boxes. Functionality of the DVR will apply to the channels displayed through the HD DVR box - the only difference is that viewers are no longer paying for the channels. Evans recommends using a UHF HD antenna which can pick up signals much farther away than what standard rabbit ears can pick up. The average pair of rabbit ears picks up signals just 25 miles away. Rural areas like Paducah must pick up signals from further distances. For assistance with antennas, visit antennaweb.org and enter your zip code. WPSD was among the first channels in our area to meet the government's challenge to switch over to digital technology. The station has been on a digital signal for four years now and currently uses the HD spectrum to push out additional programming like its 24/7 weather channel available to Comcast cable subscribers. For those who have become reliant upon WPSD's analog radio signal on 87.7 FM, you'll be happy to know that the station is currently working on a replacement to that analog system that will go dark February of 2009. Although no additional information is available at this time, Evans stated that they are seeking to maintain this resource we've all become reliant on. MARCH PROGRAMS March 26- Terry Blackwell - CEO Girls Scouts of Kentucy David Jernigan- March program chair ANNOUNCEMENTS Fourteen Rotarians are celebrating March birthdays. Erin Whitlock claimed this week's birthday floral arrangement provided by the Flower Gallery in Lone Oak. The Rotary Board of Directors will meet next Wednesday, March 19 at 5:15 pm at Whaler's Catch. CHARITY DONATION Ken Lucas/Lori Devine, Easter Seals West Kentucky GUESTS Lori Devine, Ken Lucas - Club; Leslie Helm - Mike Muscarella; John Vishio - Glen Anderson VISITING ROTARIANS Sim Davenport - Owensboro, KY Rotary Club STUDENT GUESTS Alexia Fortson - CCA, Audrey Conway-Heath, Eric Kiser-Lone Oak, John Warmath-Paducah Tilghman, Katie Knecht-Reidland, Amber Ballard-St. Mary REPORTED MAKEUPS Gear Teeth: Amy Clevidence Invocation: David Comperry Song Leader: David Jernigan Family of Rotary Committee: Melanie McNeill Sgt. At Arms: Art Feather, Marvin Devers, Chuck Heyduck Program: David Jernigan Student Guests: Mike Muscarella Rotaract Meeting: Erin Whitlock, George Shaw eClubOne - Cathy Crecelius Other Clubs - Bill Gore - Mayfield, KY, Metropolis, IL; Bev Reed - Murray, KY (4) PETS Meeting - Dan Key HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
CLUB ANNIVERSARYS The
following are celebrating the date of their induction into Rotary:
Today's editor -Amy Clevidence List of Unfilled Classifications
Artist/Retail,
Arts Administration, Attorney (Civil, Commonwealth, Social Security
Administration, Marine Law), Banking (Mortgage Lender, Trust Management),
Bed & Breakfast/Hospitality, Building Materials, Cable TV/Advertising,
Chemical Plant, Chemical Plant Management, Commercial Door Contracting,
Communications Systems Integration, Community Development/Administration,
Contractor/Commercial, Day Care Management, Director/Substance Abuse
Prevention, Education ( Pre-school, Administration), Employee Leasing
(Permanent, Temporary) Engineering/U-235 Plant, Equine Farming,
Facility Manager, Film Making, Financial Management/Jewelry Business,
Financial Planning, Government/Risk Management, Hardware/Retail,
Hospital, Human Resources, Industrial Supplies/Wholesale, Information/Management,
Information Technology, Information Technology/Internet Director,
Insurance - Sales, Judge/Family Court, Judge/District, Law (Corporation,
Litigation, Domestic), Medical/Podiatry, Medical Center Management,
Medical/Public Relations, Men's Clothing/Retail, Ministry/Christian,
Motion Pictures Theatres, Moving & Storage, Municipal Human Relations,
Nursing/Geriatric, Orthodontics & Facial Orthopedics, Photography
Equipment & Supplies, Public Service/Emergency Services, Rape Crisis
Manager, Real Estate/Commercial, Refined Oil Products/Retail, Restaurant/Italian,
River Transportation/Port Authority, Sales - Temporary Employees,
Scout Executive, Space Education, Special Gifts/Retail, Total Wellness,
Waste Water Utility
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Bill
Evans, VP of News and Operations at WPSD TV spoke to Rotarians today
about the end of the analog era and the transition to digital television
set for February 17, 2009 - just 342 days from today.