|
On February 17, 2009, analog broadcasting will end for full-power TV stations. If you watch free over-the-air TV with a broadcast antenna and don’t have a digital TV, you’ll have to get a digital-to-analog converter box for your analog TV.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is running a coupon program that enables consumers to apply for a coupon toward the purchase of a converter box.
For more information on the digital television transition, including the government coupon program for converter boxes, go to www.dtv.gov, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the broadcast Digital TV (DTV) transition?
Why are we switching to DTV?
Who does this transition impact?
What do I need to do to be ready for the end of analog TV broadcasting?
How do I know if I already have a digital TV (DTV)?
If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?
Do all new TVs being sold have built-in digital tuners?
How can I make sure that when I buy a new TV, it will receive digital signals?
Will I need a new antenna?
How do I get a digital-to-analog converter?
How much will converters cost?
Are there other ways to make my old TV set work?
Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009 to watch DTV?
If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television after the transition?
What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and gaming console? Will I be able to use them with a digital television set?
What is the broadcast Digital TV (DTV) transition?
The broadcast digital transition is the government mandated transition of analog broadcast TV signals to digital. Analog broadcasts will end February 17, 2009. All broadcast TV signals will then be digital.
Back to top
Why are we switching to DTV?
This is a transition that has been mandated by the Federal government.
The government is reclaiming the analog broadcast signals. Some of the spectrum will be used to enhance communications for emergency services providers, like fire and police departments and allow for more broadband services.
Back to top
Who does this transition impact?
Consumers with analog TV sets that function with rabbit ears or outside antenna only.
Back to top
What do I need to do to be ready for the end of analog TV broadcasting?
If your TV is connected to cable or another video service provider you don't need to do anything – your TV will continue to work.
If you are a cable customer but have some TV’s in your house that use rabbit ears, connect those TVs to cable.
If you only use a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears to get your TV signals, you need to make a choice. You can:
- Buy digital-to-analog converters to use with your current TV(s).
- Buy a new digital TV
- Subscribe to cable, or another video service provider.
Back to top
How do I know if I already have a digital TV (DTV)?
A lot of digital TVs have labels that say “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” (High Definition television).
If your TV has any of those labels, you probably will not need a digital-to-analog converter box.
Back to top
If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?
No, you have several options, you can:
- Purchase a digital converter to use with your current TV(s). Go to www.dtv.gov for retailer information.
- Purchase a new digital TV (still requires an antenna)
- Or you can subscribe to cable, or another video service.
Back to top
Do all new TVs being sold have built-in digital tuners?
No. Some retailers still carry older analog TV sets. They are required to post notices about TVs that won’t work after the digital transition.
Back to top
How can I make sure that when I buy a new TV, it will receive digital signals?
When you are buying a new TV, look for Digital TV as part of the TVs description. Less expensive TV sets may say Standard Definition Digital TV.
Back to top
Will I need a new antenna?
Probably not. Most rooftop antennas will pick up DTV signals. If you just use rabbit ears you may or may not be able to pick up the digital signal. (More information at www.antennaweb.org.)
Back to top
How do I get a digital-to-analog converter?
You may request a government issued coupon to purchase a converter box at a certified retailer. Go to www.dtv.gov for information.
Back to top
How much will converters cost?
The converters are expected to be priced between $50 and $70.
Back to top
Are there other ways to make my old TV set work?
Yes. You may subscribe to cable or another video service.
Back to top
Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009 to watch DTV?
No, DTV is available now. The FCC’s special website, www.dtv.gov, has more information on digital television, or call 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322).
Back to top
If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television after the transition?
No. The broadcast DTV transition is switching from analog to a digital signal on any TV. The transition is not related to high definition. High-definition is a type of digital signal that requires a high definition TV.
Back to top
What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, or gaming console? Will I be able to use them with a digital television set?
Yes. VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc. will work on digital TV sets.
Back to top |
Services For You 
