Four months from today, our Nation will undergo one of the most significant technological changes in history: the transition to digital television or DTV.

On February 17, 2009, television broadcasters will begin airing exclusively digital signals, making analog signals a thing of the past.  You will still be able to use your analog television set as long as it is connected to a converter box, cable, or satellite.

There is no question that the digital television transition will benefit our Nation.  Switching to DTV will free up some of the channels currently used by analog television stations for advanced wireless service, and set aside others for public safety communications, a key recommendation of the 9-11 Commission.

DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system and transitioning will broadcast DTV’s many new services and benefits into homes across southern West Virginia.  Digital television means more free channels with crystal clear pictures and sound, and even free, over-the-air high-definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets.

DTV will also enable TV stations to “multicast” or provide several channels of television programming at once as well as provide advanced data services, such as enhanced closed captioning for the hearing impaired, that are not possible with analog technology.

Here are the basics of what you need to know:

If, like the vast majority of West Virginians, you have a digital television set or you have an analog television set that is connected to cable or satellite, you are all set for the DTV Transition, but should check with your provider to confirm that you are prepared.

If you have an analog television set which receives signals by means of rabbit ears or an over-the-air antenna and you desire to keep this set in service, you will need to attach a small digital-to-analog converter box to your television set in order continue receiving over-the-air television broadcasts.

While most West Virginians will have little to worry about, everyone should prepare for the transition to fully enjoy the benefits of DTV and avoid confusion next February.  I have been working to make sure southern West Virginia households and families are properly informed and prepared through periodic updates in the media.  I recently sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary, Carlos Gutierrez, urging him to make sure that rural America and its unique challenges are not forgotten during this historic transition.

For those who need converter boxes, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has set up a program to help reduce the cost of transition.  Every household is eligible for two $40 coupons, each of which can be used towards the purchase of a converter box.  Upon request, the NTIA will mail each household up to two $40 coupons and a list of local retailers in the area that sell converter boxes, as well as a list of online and telephone retailers.  Keep in mind that the coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.
 
To learn more about the Coupon Program and how to apply for coupons, go to the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.  And as always, feel free to contact my district offices for further help and information.

As America prepares for this monumental transition, my staff and I will continue working to inform southern West Virginians about the steps they should take to help make the transition as easy as possible.

The transition will occur in just four short months.  The question is – Are you ready?