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ShareNext Feb. 17, television as we know it will change. Stations will stop broadcasting in analog, and millions of people who rely on an antenna to receive programming for free over the air will not be able to do so anymore.
The federal government has been trying to educate the public about the change for months, but Jose Fajardo, the president and CEO of WMFE in Orlando, said the education effort has been poor and that the message isn’t reaching the 15.5 million U.S. households that receive TV over the air. “It’s going to be a train wreck in February 2009,” Fajardo said. “You will have an uproar of citizens ... who will wake up and not have TV. And the majority of those people are underprivileged.”
Surveys have also shown that employees at major retailers are giving out incorrect information about the transition. So in an effort to try and clear up some confusion, here are a few basic questions and answers about the digital TV transition.
What is happening on Feb. 17, 2009?
All full-powered television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital broadcasting. Full-powered stations are major broadcast stations such as the local ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS affiliates.
Why?
Switching to all digital delivery of channels will allow broadcasters to offer clearer reception and more programming choices. The switch will also enable police and fire departments to use the airwaves to broadcast emergency messages.
Do I have to have a high-definition TV to continue receiving broadcasting?
No, HDTV is the highest quality digital television available, but you can still receive digital television broadcasting without getting a high-definition set.
Will this affect me?
If your analog TV receives broadcasts through an antenna, such as “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, you will have to take action to continue getting TV programming.
If you pay for cable, satellite or another pay TV service, you do not have to do anything. If you don’t pay for television programming but have a TV with a “digital tuner,” you do not have to do anything.
If you are unsure if your TV has a digital tuner, consult the owner’s manual or look up information about your TV on the manufacturer’s Web site. You could also examine your TV to see if it has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC.”
What are my options?
If you want to keep using your TV, you will need to buy a digital-to-analog converter box. You could also buy a new digital TV set or start subscribing to cable or satellite TV service.
How do I get a converter box?
Converters will be sold at major retailers including Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Best Buy and Circuit City.
How much will it cost?
The boxes range from about $40 to $70 and consumers can apply for $40 coupons to help pay for the boxes.
How do I get a coupon?
Each household can apply for up to two $40 coupons toward the purchase of converter boxes. To apply for a coupon, go to www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
Will I still need an antenna?
Yes, if you currently use an antenna to receive over-the-air programming, you will continue to need one when you get a converter box. In some cases, consumers may need to get a new antenna. For help choosing an antenna, go to antennaweb.org.
Will my VCR or DVD player still work?
Yes, but if you want to get over-the-air programming through these devices, you need to attach the converter box directly to your device instead of connecting it directly to your TV.
Which box should I buy?
All of the boxes which are eligible for the coupon program will convert digital signals to analog. However, you may want to get a converter box that has “analog pass-through.” The reason is that “low-powered television stations,” such as Telemundo affiliate WTMO in Orlando, are not required to switch to digital broadcasting. So if you want to continue receiving these stations over-the-air, you will need a converter box that allows you to view both digital and analog broadcasts.
Do I have to wait until Feb. 17, 2009 to use the converter box?
No. Since most stations are broadcasting both in analog and digital, using the converter box now will give you a clearer picture.
How can I get more information?
Visit dtv2009.gov or call 1-888- DTV-2009.
