Digital Television (DTV)

• DTV is an advanced broadcasting technology that will enable broadcasters to offer TV with better picture and sound qualities.
• DTV will enable broadcasters to offer multiple programming choices and more interactive capabilities.
• The DTV conversion will free up badly needed broadcast spectrum space that can be used for other purposes such as public safety (police, fire, and EMS) radio communications and advanced wireless services.
• Consumers with older, analog TV sets who use an indoor or rooftop antenna will not receive a signal after February of 2009.
• Consumers with digital or satellite service or a set top converter box are already prepared for the transition.
• Congress started the DTV transition in 1996.
• Beginning February 17, 2009 all full power TV Stations will cease to broadcast their analog signal and must begin to broadcast a digital signal.
• A large majority of TV stations currently broadcast in digital.
• Consumer should keep in mind that HDTV and digital TV is not the same thing--- HDTV is one format of Digital TV.
• As of March 1, 2007 all new TVs manufactured in the US must include a digital tuner.
• Retailers may continue to sell their analog sets but must inform the consumer at the point of sale that the TV will not be able to receive a digital signal unless a separate digital converter box is purchased.
• To ease the burden on consumers during the transition, a federal DTV coupon program was created.
• Between January 1, 2008 and March 31st 2009, all US households will be eligible to requests up to 2 (two) coupons worth $40 each, to used toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes.
• Manufacturers estimate each converter box will cost between $40 and $70.
• Information and coupons are available to help consumers prepare for the federally mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting.
• I encourage people to take advantage of this program and get their TVs ready now.
• More information about the switch to digital broadcasting can the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program can be found at my website (www.pahouse.net/Preston).
• Consumers can also call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC.