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1. Why are broadcasters switching to digital television (DTV)?
Converting broadcast stations' signals to digital will free up airwaves that can be used by emergency services such as police and fire departments and emergency rescue. DTV allows a broadcaster to provide a higher quality picture and sound. DTV is more efficient and allows stations to broadcast more programming with less air waves so that broadcasters can offer multiple program streams (multicasting) and interactive video and data services.
2. When does the change happen?
On June 12, 2009 all full power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and will broadcast only in digital.
3. Will my old television still work?
When analog broadcasting stops on June 12, 2009, you will be able to use your analog TV with a converter box. Converter boxes will be available in retail stores at that time. These boxes will convert the digital signals to an analog format so that you can view on your analog set.
In 2008, you may be able to obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each to use toward the purchase of converter boxes for your analog TV. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will manage the coupon program. Rules will be issued at a later date. Additional information can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov.
If you subscribe to cable or satellite, you should contact your provider to see if you need a converter box for your TV.
4. What is the advantage to buying a new television?
Even with a converter box for your analog TV, you will not be capable of taking full advantage of the DTV picture quality. To enjoy the full picture quality you must have a DTV set or a separate DTV receiver and a digital display monitor. By March 2007, all TVs will be required to have digital tuners built in.
5. What should I know about DTV before purchasing a new television?
There are 3 different ways to view DTV:
Standard Definition TV (SDTV) this is basic digital television transmission that displays less than 480 progressively scanned lines (480p). It provides the quality of today's analog TV's.
Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) this is better than SDTV. Offering at least 480P and Dolby digital surround sound. 480P is the quality used by most DVD players.
High Definition TV (HDTV) is the best quality picture shown in a 16x9 format. It has at least 720p or 1080i and Dolby surround sound.
There are two different aspect ratios:
4x3 is the traditional TV aspect ratio.
16x9 is "widescreen" which is more like a movie screen than a traditional TV.
6. What is the difference between intergrated DTV and digital monitors?
Integrated DTVs have a built in receiver and decoder. With and integrated DTV you can pick up digital over-the-air broadcast channels with an antenna. No additional equipment is needed.
A digital monitor requires a set-top box to be connected between the antenna and the monitor so that over-the-air digital broadcast channels can be displayed.
If you are a cable subscriber and have a monitor and use a set-top box to receive your cable signal, then you might need a new digital set-top box to receive digital content.
7. Will intergrated DTVs and digital monitors display high definition television?
Integrated DTV sets and digital monitors do not necessarily display programming in the full HDTV format. Although sets may be marketed with labels or descriptions that imply HDTV resolution, check with your retailer before purchasing if you want HDTV quality.
8. What are the advantages to purchasing a high definition television (HDTV)?
HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. It provides the best picture quality of all DTV formats. Combined with digitally-enhanced sound technology, HDTV achieves a new benchmark for sound and picture quality on in television.
Individual hairs, labels on footballs and the subtle effects of the wind blowing through grass are all clearly visible on HDTV
HDTV sets have wider movie-theater like screens that more closely resemble the human peripheral vision, making it more natural to watch.
9. Will I be able to use my VCR, DVD player and camcorder with DTV sets?
HDTV sets are "backward compatible", which means that existing analog equipment like video games, camcorders, DVD players will work on digital TV sets, but not in high definition.
10. How do I get DTV?
Receiving DTV over the air requires an antenna and a receiver that can decode the digital signals. If you receive your broadcast channels over the air currently, you should be able to use your same antenna to receive the digital signal.
Cable subscribers may buy a "Digital Cable Ready" (DCR) or "Plug-and-Play" television that plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box. If you subscribe to premium channels with your cable system, then you will need to obtain a Cable CARD from your cable company.
If you do not have a cable ready DTV, you can lease a separate set-top box from your cable provider or buy one at a retail store. If you purchase a converter from a retail outlet, you will still need a Cable CARD to receive the premium channels offered by your cable provider.
Satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to receive and view high definition digital programming. You should ask your satellite company what you will need and when.
11. Are all programs in high definition?
Not all programs are in HD...or 16x9 widescreen format, but each year more network programs are delivered in HD.
12. Will my favorite channels change position on my remote?
Yes. Just like you experience with your current analog system, digital channels will have a different channel position based on whether you receive your digital signal over-the-air, by cable, or by satellite. As the digital conversion progresses, more information will be available about channel positions.
The Federal government is offering up to two $40 coupons per household to help pay for the cost of a converter box. To apply for a coupon visit http://www.dtv2009.gov or apply by phone by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.
DTV Quarterly Report
