The Digital TV Transition – What you need to know about DTV
Many constituents have contacted my office looking for information on the upcoming conversion to digital television and what this change means to them. In a nutshell, television broadcasting is set to undergo the biggest change since color was introduced in the 1950s. Currently, most stations are broadcasting in two formats - digital and analog. Those with digital television sets are already enjoying the benefits of DTV. Those with the standard older analog sets are still getting programming as always. On February 17, 2009, all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and resume broadcasting in digital only. This is known as the DTV transition.
Some consumers are asking why they need to switch. First, all-digital broadcasting will give needed communications channels to police, fire and emergency rescue personnel. It will also allow for new wireless services for consumers. In addition, since digital is more efficient than analog, it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time, instead of just one program with analog. This means broadcasters can offer consumers more choices. Digital also allows broadcasters to offer improved picture and sound quality, including high definition (HDTV) programming.
It is also important to note that the end of analog broadcasting does not mean that consumers must purchase new TVs, and you certainly don’t need an HDTV to watch digital broadcasts. If you currently receive over-the-air programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, you will only need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue watching broadcast television on that set after February 17, 2009. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each.
To help consumers with the DTV transition, the Federal Government has established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA’s Web site at www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).
Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting, but should contact their provider to find out if anything is needed to prepare for the February deadline.
There are many sources of information about the digital transition, but one of the best is www.dtv.gov. It contains information on what DTV is, questions consumers should ask when purchasing new television sets, what programs are available in DTV, and much more. You can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC.