Digital Television Transition (DTV) Q&A

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Find out the latest information about the DTV transition including potential deadline changes at www.dtv.gov. The final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts is June 12 under legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. Click here to learn more about the latest DTV deadline changes.

What is digital television transition (DTV)?

• By law, TV stations in the U.S. will end all analog broadcasts and switch to an exclusively digital format.

When does the all television go digital?

• Some will go digital as early as February 17, 2009, but the majority will go digital on June 12, 2009.

Why is America switching to DTV?

• It is more effective to broadcast digitally because it will free up the airwaves to be used by public safety initiatives and other services. Also, DTV provides clearer pictures, more channels, and even free over-the-air, high-definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets.

Who will be affected?

• Those connected to cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider should not be affected. They will continue to receive broadcast programming after June 12, 2009. But, television sets that are not connected to cable or satellite, or do not have a built-in digital tuner, will require a converter box to continue receiving and displaying broadcast television after the transition occurs.

How do I prepare for DTV transition?

One of the following three options must be followed by June 12, 2009:

• 1. Purchase a DTV converter box:
  • - It will enable continued broadcast TV reception on an analog television set
  • - It should be available in early 2008
  • - The federal government will give consumers $40 coupons to go towards purchasing these converter boxes
• 2.   Subscribe to a video service provider:
  • - Via cable or satellite
  • - If you already subscribe to cable or satellite your TV should continue to receive channels after June 12, 2009
• 3.   Purchase a Digital Television set
  • - It will include a built-in digital tuner
  • - These sets will also be able to receive digital signals broadcast by TV stations

Where can I find more information about DTV transition?