- What is happening to TV broadcasting?
- Why is this change taking place?
- Who will lose service?
- How can I keep my TV working?
- What if I can’t afford to buy a converter box?
- What should I watch out for as a consumer?
- How can I be sure to receive emergency TV broadcasting?
What is happening to TV broadcasting?
All full power TV stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting (DTV) at midnight on February 17, 2009. Some TV viewers will lose service.
Why is this change taking place?
The change is happening because digital broadcasting is more efficient. Digital TV requires less of the “airwaves” (yet can provide a clearer picture). The change will make more of the airwaves available for other uses. Some channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication. Others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services (such as mobile broadband).
Who will lose service?
Any television set that receives free TV using an analog turner (with a set-top or roof-top antenna) will no longer work after February 17, 2009 with most TV stations. If your TV has a digital tuner you will not be affected. If you have an analog tuner but subscribe to a cable or satellite TV service, you will not be affected until 2012 (when analog cable and satellite signals will end).
Analog tuners are also known as NTSC tuners. Picture-tube TVs purchased before 1998 have them. Smaller LCD sets (15-18 inch flat screens) use them, also sets sold as “HD ready.” These sets will lose free TV service.
Digital tuners are also known as ATSC tuners. Most TVs with 25 inch or larger screens purchased after 2005 have them and will not lose TV service.
How can I keep my TV working?
If you have an analog tuner you can buy a digital converter box. These plug into your existing TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your set working after February 17, 2009. The boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 at electronics retailers and are a one-time expense.
You also have the option to buy a new TV with a digital tuner ($200 and up). Or you can subscribe to a cable or satellite service (a range of fees paid monthly). Keep in mind that your analog TV set will only work, as is, with cable or satellite service until 2012 when either you will need a converter box or be required to pay a higher monthly fee.
If you are unsure what to do, you can take a quiz at www.DTVTransition.org.
What if I can’t afford to buy a converter box?
Congress has funded a coupon program that is available, while supplies last, to anyone who has an analog TV. Until March 31, 2009 you can obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each and apply them toward the cost of eligible converter boxes (over 30 models are approved). There are 4 ways to get a coupon:
- Apply online.
- Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM – 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
- Download a Coupon Application (PDF) and mail it to PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
- Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
The consumer contact center operates in six languages in addition to English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The contact center and website (www.dtv2009.gov) can help answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues.
What should I watch out for as a consumer?
Be aware that retailers may take advantage of the digital transition to bundle products and services and sell you more than you need. The switch to digital broadcasting does not require that you purchase a subscription service (cable or satellite) or HDTV equipment (high definition TV). While a new antenna may improve your reception with a digital converter box, it may also not be necessary. Consumer Reports recommends that you start with the least expensive option (a basic converter box alone). Read more consumer advice on the digital television conversion.
Consider purchasing a converter box that allows for both analog and digital signals. You may be currently viewing stations that are not required to switch to digital by February 17, 2009 and you will lose those stations with only a digital converter. These are low power or translator stations. View a list of Massachusetts low power and translator stations.
How can I be sure to receive emergency TV broadcasting?
If you subscribe to a cable or satellite service, but want to be sure to receive a TV signal in times of service disruptions, make sure your set can receive over-the-air digital channels. For analog sets this means obtaining a converter box. For digital sets it means making sure your set is programmed to receive over-the-air channels and that you know where the antenna is that you will need to receive them.
Learn more at www.dtv2009.gov.