Story Published:
Dec 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM CST
Story Updated:
Dec 12, 2008 at 4:44 PM CST
Get ready for dramatically better television! On February 17, 2009 most television analog signals will be shut off. How will you be affected? What can you do to be sure you will continue to receive television programming?
How can I switch to DTV?
You can make the switch to DTV by following one of three easy steps by February 17, 2009:
1. DTV converter box: Purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into your existing analog set. A converter box will enable you to receive free television reception, and the boxes are available for purchase. At the time, the federal government will provide $40 coupons that you may use toward the purchase of these boxes. You do not need to replace your antenna.
2. New Television Set: Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner (ATSC). A set-top or outside antenna may also be necessary.
3. Paid service: Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider to continue using your analog TV set, if all desired local stations are carried by that service.
What is a DTV converter box?
A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna and converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog set. If you receive low-power or translator TV signals, make sure you get a converter box that passes the analog signal through, as some low-power and translators will not be making the switch to digital and you will want to receive both signals
When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are issuing coupons for DTV converter boxes. Households are able to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. Go to www.ntia.doc.gov for more information.
What is Digital Television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is a new broadcast technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality. DTV can also offer multiple programming choices, interactive capabilities and data services such as significantly enhanced closed captioning.
Why the Switch?
Under legislation passed by Congress in 2005, free, full-power local broadcast television stations are required to turn off their analog channels on February 17, 2009, and continue broadcasting exclusively in the digital format. Low power stations are not part of this transition at this time.
What are the benefits of DTV?
Digital television allows stations to offer a number of new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures, sound quality and high definition television (HDTV), DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of programming at once. This is known as “multicasting.” DTV can also be used to provide data services (such as significantly enhanced closed captioning) that are not possible with analog technology.
Who will be affected?
Consumers who receive free television signals through antennas on analog television sets —and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider—will be affected by the transition. Nationally, at least 19.6 million households receive only over-the-air television signals in their homes, and approximately 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals after February 17, 2009.
Can I keep my analog TV set?
Yes. Buying a new digital television set isn’t the only option you have for navigating the DTV transition. If you wish to continue using your analog set, you
must consider one of the following options to make the switch to digital television:
1. Purchase a DTV converter box, which will convert the new digital signal into the analog format for older televisions. We suggest you purchase a converter box with true analog passthrough. This will allow for you to view Low-
Power television and translator stations.
2. Switch to a cable, satellite or telephone company service provider to receive the new digital signal.
How do I know if I have an analog or digital television set?
Take a look at your owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. If so, it is capable of receiving digital signals.
IS HDTV the same thing as DTV?
No. HDTV it the highest quality of DTV, but it is only one of several formats. The most common format is Standard Definition Television (SDTV).
Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?
In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. If you currently need a rooftop antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV. For additional copies call 208.733.1100 Neuhoff Communications—Twin Falls, Idaho For more information go to www.dtvanswers.com
Video Links
; "Click for")
