The process and implementation of the analog-to-digital conversion is known as the digital television transition, or DTV transition.

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. DTV will offer more channels, a clearer picture, and will do both using a smaller portion of our valuable public airwaves.

Folks across the state of Wyoming have been asking me many 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 launched a campaign to help Wyomingites learn about and adapt to the DTV transition. Throughout the next year, I encourage you to explore my DTV webpage, listen for public service announcements from me about the DTV transition on your local radio and television stations and contact my office should you have any additional questions.

The DTV transition is an exciting time for TV viewers across the Cowboy state. I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the most accurate and up-to-date information available to guarantee a smooth transition.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are we switching to DTV?
Why is the transition good for Wyoming?
What do I need to do?
Will my analog TV still work after the transition?
Do I need to buy a new TV?
How do I know if I have a digital TV set?
How do I obtain a converter box?
Will the government help me purchase a converter box?
Where can I go for more information, or apply for a converter box coupon?

Why are we switching to DTV?

At first glance it may seem like the DTV transition is just another government mandate to annoy people. However, the switch to digital will actually bring numerous benefits to consumers. For example, following the transition, you will be able to get free, over-the-air broadcasts of crystal clear, digital quality television. However, the DTV transition will benefit even those who do not watch television.

The reason is that analog broadcasts take up an enormous amount of spectrum space on our public airwaves. Because spectrum is a finite resource, efficient management can result in more spectrum space available for the ever-expanding technologies that need it. By moving all of broadcast TV to digital, a huge chunk of spectrum is freed, and that spectrum will be used by other companies to build out wireless networks, broadband, and to improve our first responders’ communications abilities. Additionally, the leasing of the freed spectrum will raise billions of dollars that will be used in part to pay down the federal deficit.

Why is the transition good for Wyoming?

Apart from the immediate benefits of clear, digital quality TV, Wyoming stands to gain a great deal from this transition. The freed spectrum space that will result from the DTV transition is part of the 700 MHz band of spectrum. Experts agree this spectrum is particularly well suited for use in Wyoming because its wavelength frequency allows it to travel long distances and through solid objects (like a mountain or two).

The bidding process to buy this freed spectrum recently concluded.  License areas in Wyoming were hotly contested, and I am pleased to report that as a result, Wyoming can expect a much improved wireless landscape following the transition.  Perhaps the best news is that four locally-owned communications companies acquired spectrum to serve our state.  Those companies are Union Wireless, Dubois Telephone, Silver Star Communications and All West Communications.  Additionally, Verizon won spectrum to bolster its service in Natrona, Johnson, Sheridan, Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties.  Also, AT&T has acquired its first spectrum in our state.  They will service Laramie, Albany, Platte, Goshen, and Niobrara counties.  All of this new investment can only mean great things for the advancement of wireless technologies in the Cowboy State, and the DTV transition made this all possible.

What do I need to do?

The answer to this depends on two things: 1) The type of TV you own and 2) The type of television service you subscribe to.

If you own a television with a digital tuner, you are already set up for the digital transition, and you do not need to read any further.

If you own an analog television, you may need a converter box to continue to use your TV following the transition. However, there are several scenarios that might apply to you:

In general, if you subscribe to DISH Network, or to cable TV, they will take care of the transition for you. However, please call your provider to find out directly from them what their plans are for the transition.

If you subscribe to DirecTV, you will need a converter box to be able to view Wyoming’s local channels. DirecTV has announced they will lease a converter box to customers in Wyoming for this purpose, or you can receive a discount coupon from the government to help purchase one of the certified converter boxes available in stores.

If you currently get television from an antenna (either rabbit ears or rooftop), you will need a converter box to be able to view digital channels on your analog TV. Without the box, your TV will not work on February 18, 2009. You too will receive a discount coupon to purchase the converter box.

Will my analog TV set still work after the DTV Transition?

Yes, provided that you follow the appropriate steps outlined in the previous question.

Do I need to buy a new TV?

No, you do not need to buy a new TV at all. A converter box is available that will allow your analog TV to work following the transition. Information on how to obtain a converter box can be found below.

However, if you own an analog TV, one solution for the transition is to purchase a new, digital television. If you choose to purchase a digital television, it is important to remember that digital television is not the same thing as High Definition Television (HDTV). You can choose to purchase a digital Standard Definition Television (SDTV) that will still be a major improvement in picture quality, and will work after the transition. While HDTV’s can cost into the thousands of dollars, SDTV’s are much less expensive.

How do I know if I have a digital television set?

The best way to determine whether your television set is digital is to consult your owner's manual. If your owner's manual is not available, you may be able to look up information about your television set on the manufacturer's Internet website. Also, check your television set to see if it is labeled with words such as:

• DTV
• ATSC (for Advanced Television Systems Committee)
• Digital Input
• Digital Tuner Built-In
• Digital Receiver Built-In
• Integrated Digital Tuner
• Integrated Digital Receiver
• HDTV

But, if your television has the following labels, it may not be a digital television and steps may need to be taken to continue receiving over-the-air broadcasts, as described above:

• Digital Monitor
• HDTV Monitor
• Digital Ready
• HDTV Ready

How do I obtain a converter box?

If you determine you need a converter box for your analog television, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) has certified over 30 boxes that, when plugged into your TV, will allow it to access digital signals. Many of these boxes will be available in local retail stores, though not until March or April of 2008.

While each box has slightly different capabilities, there are currently only a few boxes that have “pass-through” capability. Pass through technology allows analog low power and translator stations to pass through the box to your television, rather than only converting digital signals. This is an important technology for rural areas like in Wyoming because it will allow viewers to access certain small and local stations. For that reason it may be a good idea to purchase one of the following boxes:

APEX DT250
CRAIG Electronics International Ltd. CVD506
DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700T
DIGITAL STREAM DTX9950
DIGITAL STREAM DX8700
DISH Network DTVPal
Magnavox TB-100MG9
Memorex MVCB1000
Philco TB100HH9
Philco TB150HH9
RCA DTA800B1
Zenith DTT901

Or, simply ask the sales representative at your local retailer if the box is analog pass-through capable.

Will the government help me purchase a converter box?

Yes. Part of the proceeds of the auction of 700 MHz spectrum was set aside to help Americans purchase a converter box. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive two $40 coupons from the federal government to help offset the cost of a converter box. While you may receive two coupons, you cannot use both on one converter box.

Where can I go to get more information, or apply for a converter box coupon?

For more information on the DTV Conversion, please visit the Federal Communications Commission DTV Website at: http://www.dtv.gov/
or the DTV Transition Coalition Website at: http://www.dtvtransition.org/

To learn about the Converter Box Coupon Program, please visit the National Telecommunications and Information Agency Website at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/preparingforthedtvtransition.pdf

To Apply for a Converter Box Coupon, please visit: https://www.dtv2009.gov/,
or call 1-888-388-2009.

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It is my highest honor to serve my constituents as Wyoming’s At-Large Representative.
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