Digital Television (DTV) Transition |
What is Digital Television (DTV)? Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that is transforming television as we now know it. By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" (like a computer), a digital broadcaster can carry more information than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology. The difference between analog and digital broadcasting is similar to that between compact discs and cassette tapes. Digital TV offers a better viewing experience with vastly improved picture and sound quality. DTV is also more efficient than analog TV technology so broadcasters will be able to produce additional signals using the DTV system. Digital television Quality Levels There are many quality levels of digital television programming. The most common are:
How to Transition TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital. February 17, 2009 is the deadline by which traditional analog TV service will be shut off. TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:
Converter Box Coupon Program Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) Do you still have questions about DTV? |