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Updated: 12:02 PM Jun 13, 2007
What you need to know about DTV
Television as we know it is about to change. By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009.
Posted: 11:49 AM Jun 13, 2007Reporter: KXII.com Staff Email Address: webmaster@kxii.com |
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Television as we know it is about to change.
By law, 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.
What does all this mean for you?
Click the website below for answers to all of your DTV questions.
The Digital TV Transition
February 17th, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television ended in the United States. While the change marked the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it hasn’t signaled the end of free broadcast television. Your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available. Consumers that subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite have not been affected by the switch, but if you received analog television over the air or via an antenna, you’ll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations, if you have yet to do so already.
What You Need to Know
TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.
However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:
- Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.
- Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
- Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.
