Blogging Documents

During a recent conversation with my mother, we talked about the upcoming transition from analog to digital television. I was quickly made aware that many people (my mother included) are still not clear about the DTV transition. In hopes of answering lingering questions the public has, or might not know it has, here are some of the myths about DTV and the facts that dispel them. Remember, the transition takes place on February 17, 2009.

Myth:  I need to buy a new TV.
Fact: There are three options for analog set owners. You can purchase a new TV equipped with a digital tuner. Or, you can keep your current TV and connect it to a digital converter box or pay TV service such as cable or satellite.

Myth: TV will no longer be free for me.
Fact: You can still receive a FREE television signal with an antenna as long as your television has a digital tuner or is connected to a digital converter box. The federal government is offering coupons (valued at $40.00) to reduce the cost of the converter box, which costs $40-70. To request a coupon call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.

Myth: I need to order a converter box.
Fact: This is one of your options if you currently use an analog television with an antenna. Other choices include purchasing a new digital TV or subscribing to a pay TV service such as cable or satellite.

Myth: One converter box is all I need for my TVs.
Fact: If you choose to buy converter boxes, you wil need one converter box for each analog TV. Every analog set has to be connected to a pay TV service or a converter box to get a TV signal after February 17, 2009.

Myth: My DVD player, DVR, VCR, camcorder and video games will no longer be compatible with my TV.
Fact: These electronics will continue to work even if they are analog.

Myth: I can’t watch high definition (HD) programs because my TV relies on antenna.
Fact: You can receive HD programs with an antenna and digital tuner or converter box, however they will only be displayed in high definition if you have an HDTV set.

To have additional myths dispelled visit FAQs at DTV.gov or DTV info from PBS.

If you’re choosing to retire your analog television and purchase a new digital television, don’t throw your old set away. There are several options for non-landfill disposal of analog televisions.

This weekend (November 12-13, 2008) Tulsa’s Video Revolution is accepting old electronics (analog TVs, VCR, stereos, etc) and will provide a discount up to $100 toward the purchase of a new television.

Another option is to take your unwated electronics to the Tulsa-based nonprofit Natural Evolution, Inc. Currently they are requiring a $15.00 charge for disposal of CTRs and analog televisions, but the fee beats any future environmental reprecussions.

And finally, take your old set to Goodwill, Salvation Army, Youth Services of Tulsa, DVIS, or any other number of Tulsa area nonprofits, that either offer items to sell or assist individuals with setting up house. To find area nonprofits who could use your unwatned analog television search the Tulsa Organizations and Services database. or phone the AskUs hotline for assistance 596.7977.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill effective November 1, 2008 providing all honorably discharged veterans and current Oklahoma residents free admission to all state-owned or operated parks or museums. A valid driver’s license or state photo identification card and military discharge papers (DD-214) are required for free admission.

For information on receiving a copy of a DD-214 go to http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/dd-214.html

Here is a link to the enrolled bill on OSCN.net http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=451982

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has moved it’s driver’s license testing site to the old Eastland Mall (14002 E. 21st St., Suite A). This site will replace the location in Jenks. Other testing facilities are located at 1635 S. Main St. in Broken Arrow and at 3190 W. 21st St.

Also to note:
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has also decided to reprint the Oklahoma Driver’s Manual. These should be available at testing sites by late November or early December. For those preparing for the test in the interim, the manual is available as a PDF on the DPS website in English and Spanish. 

The November 4 General Election has come and gone… concession and acceptance speaches have been made and the business of governing continues.

But what of the tallies, totals and results? The Tulsa County Election Board has election results available on their website: http://www.tulsacounty.org/electionboard/EB_PDF/electionresults.asp. Click here for the Nov 4 results. The Tulsa County Election Board does note these are "unofficial" results and to phone with questions regarding the results (918.596.5780).

Looking for election results outside of Tulsa County? The Oklahoma State Election Board provides a listing of all County Election Boards (pdf). Many have websites and have posted local election results, otherwise phone the local county election board for results.

Early voting for Tulsa County is Friday, October 31 (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.), Saturday, November 1 (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and Monday, November 3 (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) at the Tulsa County Election Board (500 N. Denver).

As always, it’s important to head to the polls informed, so here, once
more, is a list of sites to keep you informed:

• League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa Voter Guide (pdf) – includes information on Presidential, Federal & State Legislative, and judicial candidates, plus information on the 4 State questions
• Judges on the Ballot (Oklahoma Prosperity Project)
• Tulsa World article outlining Appellate Judges on the Nov 4 ballot
• Arguments For & Against the 4 State Questions (Oklahoma Prosperity Project)
• FactCheck.org – debunk the latest campaign rumors