The DTV Transition On February 17, 2009 all major broadcast television stations in the United States, including ABC, NBC and CBS, will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Analog airwaves are the traditional signal currently being used for TV broadcasts and take up an enormous amount of spectrum space on our public airwaves which could be used for other purposes. In contrast, digital television takes up less spectrum space and offers consumers improved picture and sound quality as well as additional channels.
This process is known as the digital television transition, or DTV transition. Experts say the DTV Transition will change your TV viewing experience for the better, no matter what type of TV you own or what type of TV service you subscribe to.
Many people in the First District have questions about the DTV transition. Specifically, they want to know how this change will affect them and their daily television viewing. For this reason, I have created a webpage to help my fellow Kentuckians learn about and adapt to the DTV transition. The DTV transition is an exciting time for TV viewers and I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the most accurate and up-to-date information to guarantee a smooth transition.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click on links to access answers)
Why are we switching to DTV?
Analog broadcasts take up an enormous amount of spectrum space on our public airwaves. By switching to digital broadcasts we will free up a significant amount of this space for police, fire and emergency rescue communications; allow broadcasters to offer programming with better picture and sound quality and offer more programming choices; and allow for advanced commercial wireless services.
What do I need to do?
What action you will need to take to prepare for the DTV transition depends on the type of TV you own and the type of TV service you subscribe to.
If you own a digital television or subscribe to a paid TV service such as cable or satellite TV, you do not need to do anything.
If you currently get television from a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears,” you will need a converter box to be able to view digital channels on your analog TV. Without the converter box, your TV will not work on February 18, 2009. Information on how to obtain a converter box can be found below.
Will my analog TV still work after the transition?
Yes, your analog TV will still work after the transition, as long as you either obtain a converter box or subscribe to a paid TV service.
Do I need to buy a new TV?
No, you do not need to buy a new TV. A converter box will allow analog TV’s to work following the transition.
How do I know if I have a digital TV set?
The best way to determine whether your television set is digital is to consult your owner’s manual. If you do not have your owner’s manual, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Also, you can check your television set to see if it is labeled with words such as:
DTV
ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee)
Digital Input
Digital Tuner Built-In
Digital Receiver Built-In
Integrated Digital Tuner
Integrated Digital Receiver
HDTV
If these labels are on your TV, you have a digital television. However, if your TV says “Digital Monitor” or “HDTV Monitor,” it may not be a digital television and you may need to obtain a converter box.
Digital-to-analog converter boxes are available in many retail stores and cost between $40 and $70. However, the U.S. Government offers coupons to help pay for the boxes. Every household is entitled to two $40 coupons. For information on how to obtain a coupon, please see below.
How can I apply for a converter box coupon?
Where can I go to obtain more information about the DTV Transition?
