What is the Digital TV transition?
The digital television (DTV) transition refers to the switch from analog to digital
television broadcasts. Beginning on February 17, 2009, all United States television
(TV) stations will be required to stop broadcasting in analog format and to transmit
in digital format only. Viewers who receive “free” over-the-air television either
through a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” will be affected by this transition. If you
currently subscribe to a cable or satellite TV company, your service should not be affected. Regardless, if you have concerns, contact your provider.
Why is the transition to Digital Television occurring?
Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting because digital is a more efficient transmission technology. Digital allows for TV stations to provide better picture and sound quality. Equally important, digital broadcasting will free up the airwaves to improve public safety communications and provide new and advanced wireless services for consumers.
How do I prepare for the DTV transition?
Take an assessment of all of the TVs in your household and determine if they are connected to cable or are they using an antenna. If they have an antenna, these sets are more than likely receiving an analog signal and will be unable to receive television signals once the transition begins on February 17, 2009. If this is the case, then you have a few options:
• Purchase a TV set with a built-in digital tuner. Most sets purchased since 2004 should include the built-in tuner.
• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box to connect to your current analog TV set.
• Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications provider offering television programming.
How do I get a converter box and how much do they cost?
Consumers will be able to purchase converter boxes through certified retailers of electronics. The price of each box is estimated at $50-$70. A separate box is needed for each analog television set relying on an antenna or “rabbit ears” to receive television broadcasts.
Is there anything available to offset the cost of the converter box?
Beginning January 1, 2008, and through March 1, 2009, each U.S. household can request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to use towards the cost of the converter boxes. The coupons will expire 90 days after the date they were issued. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program.
For more information, see the NTIA website, http://ntia.doc.gov or call 1-800-388-2009.
How do I obtain the coupons?
• Apply online at: www.dtv2009.gov
• Call the 24-hour hotline: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
• Mail a coupon application to: PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
• Fax a coupon application to: 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the
administering agency for the coupon program, will provide a list of eligible converters and participating retailers with the mailing of the coupon to the consumer. The distribution of the coupons begins February 17, 2008.
Will I need to purchase a new TV?
Your current analog TV will continue to work until analog broadcasting stops. After the
transition, your analog TV will not become obsolete if a converter box is purchased
thereby offsetting the more expensive cost of purchasing a new digital television. Also,
DVD players, VCRs, video game systems and other devices will continue to operate as
before and will not be affected by the DTV transition.
Click here to download information on TV Technology (.pdf form)
What should I know if I intend to purchase a new TV?
FCC rules require stores who are selling TV equipment with an analog tuner only to display the following notice:
Consumer Alert
The television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box
after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the
Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products.
For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-800-225-5322
(TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.dtv.gov.
Click here to download this information in .pdf form |
