What happens to my TV signal after February 17, 2009?
By law, full-power television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009. DTV is an innovative new type of broadcasting technology that delivers movie-quality pictures and sound, more channels, and even high definition television (HDTV) to consumers with HD television sets.
While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take the easy steps to receive a digital signal. We would like to assist you throughout the entire transition process.
Consumers who receive over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners – and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider – will be affected by the transition.
Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting on analog sets will have three options for continuing their television service:
- Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set.
The DTV converter box, sometimes referred to as a set-top box, is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older “analog” television set. DTV converter boxes will be available for purchase in February of 2008, and are expected to cost between $40 and $70. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will be offering up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) www.dtv2009.govYou will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before. For more information visit www.antennaweb.org.
*Beware of "special offers" that charge monthly fees for a converter box. Over the air TV is FREE there is no need for a monthly fee. - Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.
Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.
Can I recycle my TV?
Yes. For more information about how to recycle your television and other electronics, visit mygreenelectronics.com.
- Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider.
All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations. - Basic Guide to Setting UP Your Digital to Analog Converter Box: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterbox-analog-digital.pdf
- Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box with a VCR: http://www.dtv.gov/factsheets/converterbox_vcr.pdf
- Video Descriptions & the DTV transition. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvvideodescription.pdf
- Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box (basic with twin-lead antenna wire) http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/setup-converterbox-balun.pdf
For a complete listing of all FCC DTV publications, and up to date information on the Digital Transition, please go to www.dtv.gov.
Many of these publications are available En Español.
Click here to find out how to get your own converter box.
For more information about the DTV transition go to www.dtvanswers.com/