 DTV, Are You Ready?The Digital Transition refers to the transition from analog television signals to digital television signals as set forth by The Digital Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. This act requires all U.S. television stations to discontinue broadcasting in analog and switch to digital broadcasting beginning on midnight, February 17, 2009.
This change will effect all broadcasts, whether you have cable television or even regular television programming.
How will the Digital Transition Effect me?
Beginning on February 17, 2009, in order for your television(s) to receive programming, you need to have up to date technology that can accept digital broadcasting to your television(s). Many cable boxes and newer television sets already have this technology today.
What are my DTV Options?
Many of the televisions sold in stores today are already digitally compliant, but not all of them. If you own a digital transition compliant television (DTV) there is nothing further that you will need to do to prepare for the digital transition. If your television is not a DTV, you will need one of the following in order to view television programming: a converter box, a subscription to digital cable service or a new DTV compliant television which has the conversion box technology built in it.
Government TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Beginning January 2, 2008 DTV Converter boxes will be available to the public for purchase. The estimated cost of such a box is between $50 and $70, however the U.S. government will provide coupons worth $40 (limit 2) to each household in need of a converter box. Note: Converters with enhanced features such as DVR capabilities are not eligible for the coupon program.
You can access and submit the coupon request by clicking the image above.
Digital Cable Television
If you have cable television, the odds are that in this day and age you have digital cable television and your hardware is already compliant. If this is the case, your home can receive a digital signal but you may want to be sure that you have enough digital cable boxes or digital converter boxes for all of the televisions in your home or business that you wish to use by February 17.
If you do not yet have cable television, or satellite television, now may be an ideal time to consider ordering digital programming through your local cable or satellite provider.
Cable companies can provide you with a digital cable box that digitally compliant, usually on a monthly rental basis. Subscribing to digital cable will also allow you to utilize On Demand Programming, digital music stations and to digitally record programming onto your cable box without the need of a VCR or VHS tape.
DTV Compliant Televisions
The Digital Transition and Public Safety Act was passed in October of 2005, so if you bought your television before this date or within several months of this date, it may be highly doubtful that your television is digitally compliant.
If you are unsure if your television has a digital tuner, we recommend that you call your television manufacturer to confirm if your model number is a DTV and compatible with the digital transition.
If you can not get cable service in your particular area and you are not interested in purchasing a converter box, you have the option to purchase a television that has a digital tuner. Check with a sales associate at a participating retailer to ensure that any TVs you may be consider to purchasing has the necessary technology built in to receive a digital signal.
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