Federal law has required all full power television stations to stop broadcasting an analog signal and switch to a digital format beginning February 17, 2009. Here’s what these requirements will mean for you and your television viewing.
Why Broadcast TV Stations are Switching to Digital.
Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting because it will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Digital is a more efficient transmission technology. It allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and it offers more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). Some of the freed up frequencies will also be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.
What You Need To Do To Be Ready For The DTV Transition?
If you receive your television signal over cable or via a satellite TV company, then you do not need to do anything. If you currently receive only free, over the air television, you will need to determine whether your TV is set up for digital signal or only analog. If you already have a digital TV and do not have cable or satellite TV, then all you will need is a regular antenna, either on your roof or a TV top antenna like “rabbit ears”.
People who have analog TVs will need to purchase a TV top box that will convert the digital signal to analog for your TV.
How Do I Know Whether I Own a DTV?
As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States have been required to contain a digital tuner. Beginning May 25, 2007, sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner have been required to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date. Retailers must inform consumers by prominently displaying the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner:
This 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 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.dtv.gov.
How Do I Determine If I Have a DTV If I Purchased It Before May 25, 2007?
If your television has any labels or markings that contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In, "Digital Receiver,: " Digital Tuner;" "DTV," "ATSC," or "HDTV", you should be able to view digital over the air programming without the need for a digital to analog converter box. Be sure to look for this label if you are purchasing a new TV.
You do not need an HDTV to view free over-the-air digital programming. As long as your television equipment contains a digital tuner, you can view over-the-air digital. An HDTV is only necessary if you want to view digital programming in “high definition.”
Over-the-air digital set-top boxes can be purchased at retail stores. Cable and satellite TV providers also sell or lease digital set-top boxes for their specific services.
I Heard Something About Coupons For A Digital Box
Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. These boxes can be purchased in retail stores. For more information, visit the National Telecommunications and Information Administration NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov.
