FCC information
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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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