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FCC
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Digital TV on Its Way – Prepare for the Switch to Get the Picture Big changes are coming in television broadcasting. On February 17, 2009,
all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting
in analog and continue broadcasting in digital only. This is known as
the DTV transition. Some consumers are asking why they need to switch. First, all-digital
broadcasting will give needed communications channels to police, fire
and emergency rescue personnel. It will also allow for new wireless services
for consumers. In addition, since digital is more efficient than analog,
it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time, instead
of just one program with analog. This means broadcasters can offer consumers
more choices. Digital also allows broadcasters to offer improved picture
and sound quality, including high definition (HDTV) programming. It is also
important to know that the end of analog broadcasting does not mean
that consumers
must purchase new TVs, and you certainly don’t
need an HDTV to watch digital broadcasts. If you currently receive over-the-air
programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, either
through “rabbit ears” on your set or an antenna on your roof,
you will only need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue watching
broadcast television on that set after February 17, 2009. These boxes
will cost approximately $40 to $70, and will be available in stores beginning
in early 2008. To help defray the cost of digital-to-analog converter boxes, each U.S.
household can request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward
the purchase of eligible boxes. This coupon program is being administered
by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
For more information on the coupon program visit www.dtv2009.gov or call
1-888-DTV-2009. If you watch over-the-air programming on a DTV (a TV with a built-in
digital tuner), you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box.
Also, an antenna you use to receive analog broadcasts should work for
receiving digital broadcasts, both on a DTV and on an analog TV connected
to a digital-to-analog converter box. If you subscribe to a paid television service such as cable or satellite
TV, you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box, and the TVs
connected to your paid service will continue to receive local broadcast
programming. However, consumers are advised to check with their providers
to see if they will need any additional equipment in the future. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322)
or visit their DTV Web site at www.dtv.gov.
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