The transition to DTV is underway now, and it is not too early to start preparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I'm Ready For The DTV Transition?
If you subscribe to your local telephone or cable company's TV services, there is nothing for you to do except to enjoy your favorite programming after the switch to digital TV (DTV). Your local telco or cable provider will take care of the transition for you!
 What is the difference between an analog TV and a digital TV?
Digital TVs are equipped with a digital tuner which enables them to receive digital broadcasts after February 17, 2009 without an external converter box. Analog TVs do not have a digital tuner and therefore need a satellite or cable TV subscription or digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive and display digital TV programming.
Will I still be able to use my analog television set?
If you rely on an outside antenna or indoor "rabbit ears" to receive broadcasting signals through your analog television, you can use a digital-to-analog converter. If your analog television is connected to a set-top box provided by your telephone company or your cable or satellite television provider, then you will not need a separate converter.
How do I tell if I have an analog or digital television set?
Since March 1, 2007, all new TV sets have been required to include a digital receiver. In addition, since May 25, 2007, retailers have been required by law to prominently label any analog-only TV remaining in stock.
If you have an older TV, then you should check the labeling on the TV set or the manual that came with the TV to determine if it has a digital tuner. If you still are unable to determine what type of tuner you have, you should ask your electronics retailer or the manufacturer for information about your specific TV model.
What if I have a "Digital Ready" or "HDTV Ready" TV?
These labels do not mean you have a digital receiver. You will likely need a separate set-top box with a tuner in order to view DTV programs.
If your television set is labeled as a “Digital Monitor” or “HDTV Monitor” or as “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready,” this does not mean it actually contains a digital tuner. Thus, you still will likely need a separate set top box which contains a tuner in order to view programs in the new digital TV transmission standard (which included HDTV formats) on such a set.
What if I have a VHF and UHF antenna?
If you already have a good VHF and UHF antenna, either indoors or on your roof, you don’t have to buy an antenna that is “HD Ready.” DTV broadcasters have been assigned channels in the VHF and UHF bands, between 54 and 70 MHz, where analog channels 2 to 51 are now. Therefore, as long as a DTV signal is available, your existing antenna should still work after the transition is complete.
How can I obtain a digital-to-analog converter?
If you require digital-to-analog converters for your analog TVs, you may purchase them from your electronics retailer.
In order to assist with the transition to DTV, Congress has established a program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to help with the purchase of converter boxes. Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, each U.S. household is eligible to obtain up to two coupons worth $40.00 each to be used towards the purchase of certain converters at participating retailers.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program. Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
- Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
- Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
- Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
You should not request your coupons until you are ready to buy your converters, since the coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.
How do get a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), by applying online (at www.dtv.gov) or by mailing their application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be mailed to requesters. 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. If you apply and receive a coupon keep track of them. Your coupon will NOT be replaced if lost or stolen.
Where can I use my coupons?
When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby participating retailers. You can expect to buy TV converter boxes and use your coupons at retail stores where you would normally buy your television.
How can I learn more?
Information about the DTV transition is available from www.DTV.gov, www.dtv2009.gov, or www.dtvanswers.com; or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 for information about subsidized coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Per FCC DTV Consumer Education Initiative: After February 17, 2009, a television receiver with only an analog broadcast tuner will require a converter box to receive full power over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before to receive low power, Class A or translator television stations and with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products.
This information was produced by the Foundation for Rural Service, the philanthropic arm of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. Its mission is to promote, educate and advocate rural telecommunications in order to sustain and enhance the quality of life within communities throughout rural America. For additional information on the Foundation, visit www.frs.org.This advocacy campaign also is supported by the Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative, based in Herndon, VA.
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