What is the digital transition and when will it occur?
The digital television transition will officially occur on February 17th, 2009 at 12:00 a.m. midnight. At this time all full-power television stations with discontinue their television broadcasts in analog tv and will switch over to 100% digital broadcasting. Once the transition has been made it should provide consumers with better picture quality, more programming options, and it will also open up airwaves for emergency services.
How will the analog digital TV transition (DTV) affect me?
If you currently watch television on any analog TV that is not connected to satellite or cable then you will need to do something about it before February 17th, 2009 or it will affect you. If you do not act on February 17th, 2009 you will no longer be able to watch television stations on your TV without a digital converter. You will however still be able to use your TV for the viewing of DVDs, VHS, and the playing of video games.
Why is the DTV transition taking place?
The digital transition is taking place for a couple of reasons. The first reason being that it will provide a few benefits to consumers. The digital transition will allow consumers to get better picture quality and also will provide them with more programming options. The transition will also allow analog airwaves to be open to the police and fire department. The remaining airwaves will then be auctioned off to provide new wireless services.
Will the DTV transition affect me if I have cable or satellite?
No, if you have cable or satellite services you will still be able to use your analog television without digital converter boxes. There is no such thing as a digital cable converter right now so analog cable will still be functioning.
How do I know if I have an analog television?
If your television does not have a digital tuner in it then you will need a digital TV converter after February 17th, 2009. In order to find out if your TV has a digital tuner I would suggest consulting your owner's manual. If you do not have this anymore you can check on the internet for information about your specific TV model. If none of these options work then try taking a look at your television and see if it has an input connection for a "digital input" or "ATSC" (Advanced Television Systems Committee).
Are there any general guidelines to follow to quickly figure out whether my TV is analog or digital?
All TV sets that were made before 1998 are analog TVs. Any big screen TVs made between 1998 and 2004 could possibly have a digital tuner built into them. Usually though this is only the case with TVs of 42 inches or larger. If your TV was made after 2004 there is a significantly better chance that it has a digital tuner built in. If your TV is one of the older sets that does not have a build in digital tuner you will of course need an analog to digital converter to continue using your television.
What can I do to continue watching TV on my analog tv after February 17th, 2009?
You can either keep your TV and get an analog digital converter, subscribe to cable or satellite services, or purchase a new television that has a digital tuner.
What is a digital TV converter?
Digital TV converters are brand new products that just came on the market in early 2008. They are made to hook into your TV and convert digital signals so that they will be displayed on your analog television. Without a digital tv adapter your TV will no longer pick up TV signals.
What is the government converter box coupon program?
It is a government sponsored program that provides consumers with a $40 off coupon on the purchase of a digital to analog converter. Applications will be accepted between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009 with a limit of two coupons per household. They can be submitted through the mail, by fax, from the internet, or by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
Who is sponsoring the analog digital converter coupon program?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) was appointed by Congress to handle the DTV converter box coupon program.
How do you install analog to digital converters?
They are installed by simply hooking them into a hookup spot on either the front or back of your television. TV converter box installation should be very easy and should only take a few minutes. Don't throw your antenna away either because you will need to use it in conjunction with your digital TV converter box. Sometimes however it does work better to get a specific digital tv antenna.
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