The concerns over the analog to digital TV signal switch scheduled to occur on February 17, 2009 is quickly becoming one of the most frequently discussed topics of the American TV viewing public. Even with the growing number of public service announcements, news articles and web sites addressing the subject surveys by The National Association of Broadcasters and The Association of Public Television Stations as well as Consumer Reports have revealed a general lack of awareness about the upcoming digital TV transition. The surveys also indicate that even among consumers that are aware of the transition there is a great deal of confusion as to what they should be doing to prepare for the transition, and many consumers are misinformed to some extent.
While it may seem like there is a lot of time between now and February 2009 many Americans may want to make plans for the transition now, rather than wait until the last minute and possibly find themselves without TV. One thing is for sure; the buzz surrounding this topic will only increase as the U.S. prepares for the approaching deadline.
What Is Happening?
Your TV signal is switching to "digital." For more than fifty years, TV broadcasters have sent their shows to your TV using "analog" signals. After February 17, 2009, most of the old analog signals will be gone and most of the stations you watch will use only the new digital signals.
What is DTV? • Why Switch to Digital?
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of over-the-air technology that enables TV stations to broadcast crystal clear pictures with vastly improved sound quality. DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the current analog technology. With DTV stations can broadcast multiple channels of programming at the same time instead of using only one channel per program. Digital technology will also free up the airwaves so they can be used in the future to provide other video and data services, services that can’t be provided with the current analog technology. DTV should also improve public safety by allowing police, fire and other safety departments to communicate more easily with each other during emergencies.
Will I Be Affected by the Transition?
Consumers who receive over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners will be affected by the transition. If you already receive your television programming through MHTC or another cable or satellite provider, you won’t be affected by the transition. MHTC has always provided its customers with digital cable TV; consumers that subscribe to other cable or satellite services can ask their provider what they are doing to prepare for the transition.
Consumers affected by the transition have three options if they want to continue to receive television service.
Option #1: Purchase a converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for your TV.
Option #2: Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.
Option #3: Subscribe to satellite or cable service.
The Converter Box Coupon ProgramDTV converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70 each and should be available for purchase in early 2008. The federal government has started a coupon program to help consumers cover the cost of the DTV converter box purchase.
All U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase digital-to-analog converter boxes (one coupon per box). Requests for the coupons can be made between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009; supplies are limited. The coupons must be redeemed within 90 days. For more information about the coupon program, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.
For More Information
For extensive information about the DTV transition plus information about your existing TV’s, purchasing new TV’s, antennas, converter boxes, coupons & more visit www.dtvanswers.com.
