Digital TV is on its way

Get ready for the change in 2009
Vida en el Valle
(Published Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 08:40AM)

Great changes in the way television programming is transmitted are coming. By Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will have to stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. This is known as the transition to digital television (DTV).

Some consumers will ask why they need to make the change. Once the transmissions are totally digital, it will give communication channels to police, fire departments and rescue personnel during emergencies. It will also allow consumers to have new wireless services.

Since digital transmissions are more efficient than analog, this will allow television stations to air several shows at the same time, instead of just one analog show. This means that television stations will be able to offer consumers more options. The digital format will also allow television stations to offer a better picture and sound quality, including high definition (HDTV) programming.

It is also important to know that once analog transmission is over, it doesn't mean that consumers will have to purchase new television sets. Most likely you will not need an HDTV set to watch digital transmissions either. If you currently rely on antennas, including outside antennas and "rabbit ears" to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets, you will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog converters to continue to watch shows on that appliance after Feb. 17, 2009. These converter boxes will cost approximately $40 to $70 and are already on sale at stores.

To help you with the cost of converter boxes, each family in the United States can request up to two coupons, each with a $40 value to use towards the purchase of the converter boxes that qualify for the program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for administering the coupon program. For more information about the coupon program, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

If you watch programming that is transmitted by over-the-air broadcast on a digital television (a TV with a digital tuner included), you will not need to purchase the converter box. The antenna that you use to receive the analog signal should work to receive the digital signal, on a DTV as well as an analog TV that is connected to a converter box.

If you subscribe to cable or satellite services, you don't need the converter box, and those who already have the service will continue to receive the local transmission. Nonetheless, it is recommended that consumers verify with their providers to find out if they will need additional equipment later on.

For more information, call the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the DTV website at www.dtv.gov.