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Digital TV (DTV) Transition



On February 17, 2009, the nation’s full power broadcasters (large TV stations covering multiple cities) will stop broadcasting in analog format. In order to free spectrum for important public safety activities that will increase the nation's ability to respond to terrorist attacks and natural disasters, the government has ordered a transition to digital broadcasting. The transition to digital broadcasting will dramatically improve the clarity of broadcasts and make exciting new services available. However, some consumers may not have the equipment needed to receive these digital signals. The information on this page will help get you ready for the transition.

What is DTV?
What is the reason behind the transition?
When will this transition occur?
What do you need to do to prepare?
So, do you need a new TV?
About those converter boxes...
Where can you get a converter box?
How do you get your coupons?

What is digital television, or DTV? [back to top]

Digital broadcasting is more efficient, so broadcasters can offer more channels in the same spectrum that used to hold only one channel. Analog broadcasting is also susceptible to interference and "snow" that make a picture less clear than digital broadcasting. DTV provides sharper pictures, a wider screen, CD-quality sound, better color rendition, and other new services currently being developed for your television.

What is the reason behind the transition? [back to top]

Converting to the digital format will free up scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum for other uses. Some of this spectrum will be put to use in important public safety applications such as developing a national interconnected public safety network to support police, fire departments, rescue squads and other first responders. The difficulties experienced by first responders on September 11th and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina illustrate how badly this system is needed.

When will this transition occur? [back to top]

After February 17, 2009, all analog televisions receiving over-the-air programming (meaning households receiving television by antenna or "rabbit ears") will need converter boxes to change digital broadcasts into analog format for display on older television sets. Newer televisions equipped with digital tuners will be able to receive the new digital broadcast signal and may not require the use of a converter box.

What do you need to do to prepare? [back to top]

Consumers subscribing to a television service such as cable or satellite probably will not be affected by the switch; however, you should contact your cable company or satellite provider to make sure your service will not be interrupted by the transition. If you plan to buy a new TV in the next year, you should check for its digital feature, or factor in the cost of the added converter box you will be required to purchase.

So, do you need a new TV? [back to top]

Many televisions purchased recently come equipped with a digital tuner and will neither need to be replaced nor require a converter box to function after the transition. If your television is only equipped with an analog tuner, it will work as it does now until analog broadcasting stops at midnight on February 17, 2009. Even after the transition is over, you can keep your current analog television if you obtain a set-top converter box. If you are uncertain whether your television includes a digital tuner, consult the user manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

About those converter boxes... [back to top]

A converter box will translate the digital broadcast signal into an analog signal that your existing television will display. Each television that you have that is neither equipped with a digital tuner nor connected to a cable or satellite service will require a converter box.

Some models of converter box will permit the pass through of low power signals (such as university stations and local access channels), while others may not. If you currently receive these stations be sure to ask your retailer before purchasing a converter box whether it will allow you to receive low power analog stations.

Where can you get a converter box? [back to top]

DTV converter boxes will be available at electronic stores and other U.S. retailers.

How do you get your coupons? [back to top]

Consumers will be able to apply for their coupons through a web site, via a toll-free number, or by mail. There is a limit of two coupons per household. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued. To receive updates about how to obtain your coupons call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or visit  www.dtv.gov.



For More Information:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Countdown to DTV Transition and Information about Digital Television

http://www.dtv.gov/
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html

Questions Regarding the DTV Transition?
Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
Email: DTVinfo@fcc.gov

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) DTV Converter Box Coupon Program
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

Questions Regarding the Coupon Program?
Phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
Email: couponinfo@ntia.doc.gov



Download Sen. Hutchison's DTV Brochure ; En Español


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