What is digital broadcasting? 

Clearer pictures as well as more programming options are just a few of the features of digital broadcasting.  In switching from analog to digital broadcasting, it will free up airwaves.  Emergency responders that use these airwaves will have less chances of running into problems of not getting calls, or jammed signals.  

What is analog Television?

Analog television has been around since the 1940’s in the United States.  Radio waves transmit analog signals to your television allowing the picture to come through your television.

What is a DTV converter box?

In order for your analog television to work after the switch to digital broadcasting takes place, you will need a DTV converter box.  This is an electronic device that connects to your television and your antenna.  Once connected the DTV converter will convert the digital television signal to analog.  It will allow you to view your television without interruption.  You can purchase a DTV converter box instead of buying a new television.

Who needs a DTV converter box? 

If you subscribed to a pay television service such as cable or satellite, you will not need a converter box.  If you television set has a built-in digital tuner, you will not require a DTV converter box either.  Television sets connected to rabbit ears or outside antennas will most likely call for the DTV converter boxes. 
Where can I purchase a DTV converter box?

In February of 2008, DTV converter boxes will go on sale and be available to the public.  Most of the major retail stores such as Wal-Mart, Circuit City, K-Mart, ect. will carry the DTV converter boxes.  The government is distributing coupons to help with the cost of these DVT converter boxes.  The process of applying for one of these government issued coupons is very simple.  You can visit the website dtv2009.gov.  Once there just follow the instructions on the site and you will be on your way to receiving your coupon.  Each household is able to apply for two coupons.  The cost of each DVT converter box is expected to be between $40 to $70 dollars. 

How to Tell if I Have an Analog or Digital Television?

There are several ways to find out if your television is digital or analog.  If you still have the manual to the television set, the information will be in the manual.  Also, you can visit the manufactures website.  When you get to the website, look for the model number of your television.  This information should tell you if you television is digital or analog.

Will Any Television Stations Remain Analog after the Switch?

All of the larger television stations will no longer be available on analog after the deadline.  The low-power stations as well as translator stations are not required to meet the February 17th deadline.  Currently there is no deadline for these stations to become digital.  Under the current plan, these stations will remain analog broadcasting after the February deadline.  The stations are eligible for a federal assistance program that will take place sometime between October 2008 and September 2009.

What is Multicasting? 

Multicasting will give viewers access to multiple local broadcast channels.  A single station will now be able to provide a number of channels free and on air to its viewers.  Each program channel is known as a multicast.  This technology is already in place in some of the larger areas of the world.

When the digital conversion takes place be prepared.  Take the time now to determine if you are one of the many people that require a digital converter box.  If so, request your government coupon so there is no delay in your television reception.

 Households Most Affected

The television-watching public most affected will be those who will continue to use an analog TV and/or a battery-operated TV, and who will continue to use “rabbit ears” and/or antennas to get their television reception after February 17, 2009.

 Analog Televisions and Over-the-Air Signal

Analog TV’s that receive their signal over-the-air (“rabbit ears” or antenna) will need to connect to a digital-to-analog converter box.  Televisions that do not have any labeling that identifies them as digital and is also labeled either “analog” or “NTSC” is an analog television.  Most televisions manufactured before 1998 are analog.  The owner’s manual and the manufacturer are two other sources for information regarding the type of tuner inside a set.

 All Analog Devices Need a Converter Box

It is important to note that each analog device needs its own digital-to-analog converter box to receive digital programming.  If an analog VCR is connected to an analog television, two converters boxes are needed to receive program signals.  For example, a family who owns both an analog TV and VCR will need two converter boxes if they want to watch one television program while recording another one on a different station.

 Converter Boxes Affect on Parental Controls and Closed-Captioning

The FCC requires that all digital-broadcast equipment be equipped with the V-chip and closed-captioning technology.  Parents will still have the choice to block programming, and the hearing impaired will still have closed-captioning.

 Battery-Operated Televisions

It is not expected that battery digital-to-analog converter boxes will be manufactured.  So, battery television sets that have analog receivers will need an AC powered converter box to receive and convert a digital signal.  In order for a battery-operated television to connect to a converter box, it will need to have the right plug openings.  So, it is possible that some battery-operated television sets will be obsolete. 

 How Converter Boxes Connect and Work

The converter boxes connect in the same way that other electronic devices connect to a television and antenna.  The Digital Television Transition Coalition offers detailed instructions with pictures on their website, www.dtvtransition.org, on how to connect a converter box.  However, included with a converter box will be detailed instructions and all the necessary cables.

Once the converter box is connected to the TV and antenna, it will change the digital signal to analog so that the picture and sound being transmitted can be seen and heard.

The Converter-Box Coupon Program

The government has established a coupon program to help consumers off-set the price of the boxes.  The coupons are worth $40.00 each and every household is permitted a maximum of two coupons.  The coupons cannot be used in combinations to buy a converter box, only one coupon for one converter box is allowed.  They also cannot be used to purchase any other electronic equipment such as DVD’s or antennas.  The coupons are good for only 90 days after issuance.  In addition, the coupons can only be used on specific models that are approved by the government.  A list of the approved models is at the end of this article.

 How to Apply for a Coupon

Applications for the coupon program started at the beginning of January, 2008 and will go until March, 2009.  The application asks for a name and address, what kind of TV service is used (cable, satellite or neither), and the number of coupons needed.  To apply for a coupon, call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634, or go online at www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx.  The plan is for the coupons to arrive at every home that requested them when the converter boxes become available.

 When Converter Boxes Will Be Available and Cost

The converter boxes are to be in stores by the end of February or the beginning of March, 2008.  All major retailers who sell electronic equipment are expected to sell the converter boxes and accept the coupons.  Converter boxes are expected to be priced between $40.00 and $70.00.

List of Approved Converter Boxes

The following is the approved list of converter boxes. The list is provided by The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

It is not necessary to go out and buy a new digital television set in order to be ready for the conversion from analog to digital broadcast.  However, it would be prudent for every household to be prepared and ready for the conversion by planning early.   Identifying all analog televisions sets that will need a converter box, applying for the converter box coupons, and buying a converter box early will ensure a family that they are ready for February 17, 2009.

  ReferencesNational Telecommunications and Information Administration: www.ntiadtv.com

That is about to come to any end with the dawn of digital television, also known as DTV.  This change is slated to take place on February 1, 2009, leaving consumers little time to get ready for these big changes.  While those who subscribe to satellite, cable and other pay TV services can breathe easy, those who rely on indoor or outdoor antennas for their TV reception will need to take action or risk losing their signal early next year.

Fortunately for those affected by the change to DTV the government has instituted a program to help them purchase the equipment they will need to receive the new digital signals.  This program, known in the industry as the Digital to Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, is designed to help television viewers afford the converter boxes they will need to receive the new signals in February of 2009.

The program is administered by an arm of the Department of Commerce known as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or the NTIA.  Through this NTIA program consumers across the country are entitled to receive up to two $40 coupons which they can then apply toward the cost of the digital to analog converter boxes they will need to receive the new digital television programs.

While the final cost of the converter boxes is still unknown, industry experts expect the retail price to come in at somewhere between $40 and $70 each.  The NTIA expects these digital to analog converter boxes to be carried by big box electronic retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City and others, making them accessible to consumers who need them.

Owners of analog televisions who currently receive their broadcast signals via indoor or outdoor antennas can visit the NTIA at ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon to sign up for the $40 coupons they need.  Those without internet access can contact the NTIA via phone at 1-888-388-2009 to order their coupons.

The $40 coupons will arrive in the form of a gift card that can be applied only toward the price of the digital to analog converter box.  These cards will not be good for any other purchases or accessories, nor will consumers be entitled to any cash back in the event the price of the box is below the $40 threshhold.  Consumers also need to know that the coupons will expire 90 days after the date of issue, so it is important for television owners to go shopping as soon as possible.

The digital to analog converter box coupon program began on January 1, 2008, more than a year before the scheduled conversion to digital television broadcasting.  However, since the digital to analog converter boxes have not hit store shelves yet, the NTIA is not expecting to start sending out those coupons until sometime in the middle of February 2008.  This delay is intended to give those big box electronics stores plenty of time to stock the converter boxes and train their workers about them. 

When ordering converter boxes it is important to keep in mind that each box will only convert one television set, and those households with multiple analog televisions receiving over the air broadcasts will need to purchase a converter box for each TV.  Those who own more than two such televisions will need to pay the entire cost of additional converter boxes after their household limit of two coupons has been exhausted.

In addition, it is a good idea for those getting ready to order the converter boxes to take a look at the type of indoor antenna they currently use.  Those whose indoor antenna has two sets of wires (one for UHF and one for VHF) will need to purchase a converter to combine those two wires into a single connection.  These converters are readily available at the same electronic stores where the digital to analog converter boxes can be found.
 

Digital televisions are a fairly new technology for most people.  The latest technologies usually have new terminologies and standards to learn, and often there are a host of choices to wade through. Digital televisions fall into this category.  Additionally, digital televisions can be a very expensive investment. Before you start shopping for one, read through the following information so that you have the necessary facts to get the best equipment for your dollar.

SDTV – EDTV – HDTV

One of the most important aspects about digital televisions to remember is that digital television is not synonymous with HDTV (high definition TV).  In other words, you can buy a digital television (DTV) that is not high definition. HDTV is just one type of digital television.  DTV’s come in different levels of picture and sound quality.

Like digital cameras that use pixels to grade the quality of the picture, pixels are used to determine DTV’s  resolution quality. The higher the resolution the better the picture is.  Therefore, digital televisions are divided into categories of SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV. 

SDTV (standard digital TV) has a picture quality similar to an analog television. 

EDTV (enhanced digital TV) is the next level in picture quality.

HDTV (high definition TV) has the best picture.

Remember the picture quality you get is determined by the set (SDTV, EDTV, or HDTV) and not by the broadcast’s transmitting resolution.

Tuners and Monitors

Two terms to understand when considering a DTV are tuner (also called receiver) and monitor (screen).  The tuner receives the broadcast signal and transfers it into a picture on the monitor.  A digital television is similar to a computer that is connected to the internet.  The internet connection receives the information and transfers it to the monitor.  DTV tuners receive the transmission signal and transfer the picture to the monitor (screen) and audio. 

However, with a DTV set, the tuner can be external or internal. The monitor can be digital ready, or have a tuner that is built-in.  So in addition to considering whether you want an SDTV, EDTV, or HDTV, you will have to decide whether you want a set that is “digital ready,”  “digital integrated,” or “digital-cable ready.”

To make shopping a little easier, the FCC made a regulation that as of May 25, 2007 all integrated tuner televisions for sale in the U.S. are to be labeled as such. In addition, the FCC requires that retailers who have remaining inventories of analog televisions place a label on them stating they are analog. 

Digital-Ready DTV

Digital-ready DTV’s or monitors needs an external tuner to receive digital programming.  Most cable or satellite companies supply their customers with a tuner. External tuners can also be purchased separate to receive a digital signal over the air, or to connect to an antenna.  Digital-ready equipment may be marketed as “Digital Monitor,” “HDTV Monitor,” “Digital Ready,” or “HDTV ready.”

Digital-Cable-Ready DTV

Digital-cable-ready DTV’s are basically plug-n-play sets. The monitor is digital-ready but needs a CableCard from a cable company that plugs into the monitor to receive digital programming.  The CableCard is about the size of a credit card and requires a technician to install it.

CableCards are a one-way system, meaning that they do not offer interactive features such as picture-in-a-picture, TiVo, interactive menus, and pay-per-view.  This style of monitor may or may not need an external tuner depending on whether a customer wants the interactive features mentioned above.

While CableCards are a recent technology, they may already be on their way out because of “bugs” in the technology and other security-technology inventions that are coming to market. 

Integrated DTV

Integrated DTV’s have built-in digital tuners that accepts the signal directly into the monitor.  This is probably the best way to go because no other equipment is needed and offers the latest tuner technology.

Pricing

With DTV’s there is a definite correlation between price and a unit’s components and features. DTV’s are sold with tubes, as flat panels, and with rear and front projection.  Flat panels are the most expensive and tube televisions are the least expensive.  Also, flat panel sets come in LCD (liquid crystal technology) or plasma screen technology.  The size of the screen will also factor into the cost of a DTV.  Because screen size is measured diagonally, a monitor may look smaller than you imagined it would. An integrated SDTV can be purchased for as little as $150.00; a flat screen HDTV can cost thousands of dollars, depending on features.

Wrapping It Up

All the different aspects about buying a digital television may seem a bit confusing.  However, there are just a few basic points to remember: Digital does not equal HDTV; there are three different digital standards, SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV.  Not all televisions for sale are digital.  Buying a DTV with an integrated digital tuner is the best choice. While HDTV monitors offers the highest quality in resolution, you can’t assume they all have an integrated digital tuner. Refrain from purchasing sets that use CableCards; they use a cumbersome technology that may not be around in the near future.

Stay tuned for more and exciting developments from the digital television industry.
 

The difference between digital and analog TV pictures is as dramatic as the difference between a photo from a 10-megapixel digital camera and one taken with Instamatic color film in 1963. Digital broadcasting offers several advantages over analog broadcasting: It enables TV stations to send much higher-resolution pictures-clearer, crisper, and more detailed-and better sound quality. The highest resolution currently possible is the much-ballyhooed high-definition signal, called HDTV, which is so vivid it shows freckles, crow’s feet and five-o’clock shadow, usually to the chagrin of TV celebrities and news anchors. HDTV also makes possible widescreen pictures and vastly improved sound.

Digital transmission is more efficient than analog transmission because it allows several channels to share the same bandwidth, called “multicasting.” This enables broadcasters to transmit more channels in the same space than is possible with analog signals.

Whether TV viewers can reap the benefits of digital broadcasting depends on at least two things: the quality of the signal the broadcaster transmits, and the kind of TV the viewer uses. 

Digital broadcasting includes a mix of picture and sound quality. Not all shows are broadcast using HDTV. Even so, the picture and sound produced by standard digital signals- SDTV-are still a significant improvement over those produced by analog signals. 

How can consumers take advantage of digital broadcasting? The simple answer is: It depends.

· TV viewers who receive just the free broadcast channels, that is, with no cable or satellite service, on digital or digital-ready TVs-DTVs-need antennas that receive UHF signals (channel 14 and above). TV viewers who receive only the free broadcast channels on older analog TVs need to purchase and connect digital-to-analog converter boxes to their TVs, and, like DTV-owners, need antennas that receive UHF signals (channel 14 and above). Even though the converters enable analog-TV viewers to watch programming broadcast in digital format, their picture and sound will show no improvement; this is only possible with DTVs.

· Cable subscribers with DTVs need to do nothing. Cable subscribers with analog TVs may or may not need digital-to-analog converter boxes; they will be notified by their cable service providers what they need to do to receive digital signals when digital broadcasts become available to subscribers. Note: Digital cable is not the same as digital TV; digital cable refers only to how signals are sent across cable.

· Satellite subscribers need to do nothing, regardless of whether their TV is analog or digital.

Consumers who are not sure if their TVs are analog or digital should note the model number and go to the manufacturer’s web site to find out. Most new TV sets include digital tuners; make sure any TV you intend to buy is digital and not an older analog TV that is still in inventory.  

Come February 17, 2009 the U.S. government is making all citizens convert…whether they want to or not.  It’s true…for all television viewers that is.  On this date analog television sets will start to become obsolete as digital televisions start to become the standard.  Well, actually it’s the method by which televisions receive their broadcast signal that is changing.

For over fifty years, televisions have been receiving their transmissions through an analog signal.  However in 1996, the FCC endorsed the digital signal as the new standard for broadcast transmissions. Over the last decade, the government, the electronics industry, and the computer companies have been gradually preparing their own entities for the conversion as well as preparing consumers. 

Some households are ready for the conversion because they have purchased digital-ready televisions.  Other people who receive cable may notice that their local television stations are also available on the higher end channels; these channels are broadcasting in digital.  This is a result of the government assigning new digital receiving channels to broadcast companies.

Some of the benefits of a digital signal are a better-quality picture (no ghost or snow), and televisions with digital signal receivers will have the capability to receive and transmit information over the internet much like computers do now.

The families most affected by the new conversion standards are those who do not have high definition television sets, and who do not use a cable or satellite service to receive their programming on all their televisions.  Households who rely only on an antenna, or who do not have all their televisions sets connected to cable or satellite will need a conversion box. 

Conversion boxes change the digital signal to analog so that television programs can be viewed on an analog TV.  The government is issuing coupons worth $40.00 each that can be applied to the purchase of a single converter.  Every household that applies for the coupon is permitted a maximum of two. The converters are expected to cost between $50.00 and $75.00.   While the government has authorized the distribution of hundred of millions of coupons, they have also set a limit to the number available for the entire program. The list of retailers approved to accept the coupons will not be released until the end of March, 2008. Conversion boxes can be purchased in electronic stores and online. 

Below is an outline to help you decide which category you are in and what you will need to do.

All My Televisions Are Connected to an Antenna

You will need to get a conversion box for all your televisions.  Converter boxes are available at retail electronic stores.  Use the government’s offer for 2 coupons per household to defray the cost of the converter.  Here are the easiest ways to get your coupons.
           Online - www.dtv2009.gov - apply for converter box
           Call - 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634

The other option is to purchase televisions that have a digital tuner. If you go to buy a digital television, make sure it is says that it has a digital tuner because analog televisions are still on the market.  The FCC does require retailers to place a consumer alert on all analog televisions that notifies customers that the television is analog and of the change from analog to digital broadcast.   

Be aware that digital does not mean high definition. However, HDTV’s (High Definition TV) are digital ready.

Some of My Televisions Are Connected to Cable or Satellite

The televisions that are connected to cable or satellite do not need a converter box.  Most cable and satellite service providers will convert the signal from analog to digital for their customers. To be sure, check with your service provider.

Your televisions that are not connected to cable or satellite will need a converter box.  They are available a retail stores or online electronic stores.   You can get a coupon worth $40.00 from the government to offset the cost of converters. There is a maximum of two coupons per household.  Below are the easiest ways to get the converter coupons.
           Online - www.dtv2009.gov/ - apply for converter box
           Call - 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634

You can also replace all or some of your televisions with sets that are digital enabled.

All of My Televisions Are Connected to Cable or Satellite

You don’t need to do anything; your service provider will convert the signal.  Call your subscriber to be sure.

All or Some of My Televisions were bought on or after March 1, 2007

If your television was manufactured after March 1, 2007 then it is digital ready.  The reason is that the U.S. government mandated that all televisions imported or shipped interstate on or after that date have a digital tuner.  However, the key word is “manufactured” because retailers are permitted under the ruling to sell already existing stock of analog televisions.

Although the technology for digital has been around for several years, you can’t assume that your television is digital.  If you purchased your television before March 1, 2007, check your owner’s manual to see what type of signal it is set to receive.  If you don’t have the manual, check on the manufacturer’s website. 

Conclusion
 
Whether you want to convert to a digital signal or not, doesn’t matter.  The fact is that after February 17, 2009 if you want to view any television programs, your television will need to be equipped for digital broadcast. The best thing to do is to prepare for it and to prepare ahead of time. While February, 2009 may seem like a long time away, millions of other households will also be buying converters, taking advantage of the government sponsored coupon program and buying digital televisions.  If you wait to the last minute, there may be a chance that you will not get a coupon, converter, or digital television in time. 
 

That is because February 1, 2009 will usher in the age of digital television, or DTV, and those who are unprepared may suddenly find that they are no longer able to receive a television signal.   As of February 1, 2009 all television signals will be digital instead of analog, and that means that those with analog televisions may need to purchase a digital converter box in order to receive uninterrupted television programming.

While time is quickly running short, there is still time for affected consumers to act, and those consumers affected by the change will have a number of choices at their disposal.  From purchasing a digital converter box to upgrading to a new TV to subscribing to satellite or cable TV, there are many options for consumers to be aware of. Many big box electronics stores have already begun a campaign to educate their customers about the coming digital revolution, and there are many resources available for consumers who need to get up to speed quickly.

In a nutshell, the consumers who are most likely to be negatively impacted by the conversion to digital television are the ones with older televisions and no cable, satellite or other pay TV service.  Those who currently receive their television signal via good old “rabbit ears” may need to upgrade their TV, subscribe to a pay TV service or obtain a digital converter box in order to receive a signal after February of 2009.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option.  Each television viewer will have different needs and no one solution will be right for everyone, but it is important for every consumer to know their options in order to make an intelligent and informed decision.

Option #1 - New Television Technology
One option is simply to purchase a new television set that includes a built in digital tuner.  As of now all televisions on store shelves are required to contain such a tuner, but it is always a good idea to ask the salespeople at the store to be sure.  The owner’s manual should also contain information regarding the type of tuner built in to the unit.

One of the advantages of this approach, besides the allure of a new TV, is that it will eliminate the need for additional action.  Since the tuner is built in to the unit, the digital conversion will not be an issue and the new TV will continue to function normally after the switch.

It is important to note that one need not purchase a flat panel, LCD or plasma television in order to get the needed digital tuner.  Those with a more limited budget should be able to find many CRT televisions with integrated digital tuners, often for hundreds of dollars less than an LCD TV of comparable size.

The main drawback of this approach is that it can be a costly solution, especially compared to the expected $50-$70 cost of a digital converter box.  Many television viewers own older sets that still perform quite well, and they may not be so keen to lay out hundreds of dollars to replace a perfectly good appliance.  Fortunately those consumers have a number of other options at their disposal.

Option #2 - Subscribe to Cable, Satellite or Other Pay TV Services
For those on the fence about a cable or satellite subscription, the coming digital revolution may provide that final push.  Indeed, cable, satellite and other pay TV providers are gearing up for an expected influx of new customers as the February 2009 deadline approaches, and for some this may be the right solution.

The advantages of subscribing to a pay TV service are many, and they include a more robust menu of choices, the ability to watch movies on demand, and the ability to more easily monitor and control the viewing habits of the children in the family.  The main drawback, of course, is the cost, and many families will not welcome the addition of yet another large monthly bill.

Option #3 - Purchase a Digital Converter Box
Those television viewers who do not wish to purchase a new TV or a pay TV subscription have the option of purchasing a digital converter box which will transform the new digital transmission into analog form.  This simple piece of equipment will allow owners of analog televisions to continue to view their favorite programs, all for an expected cost of $50 to $70 for each box. 

The digital converter boxes are expected to be sold in a number of large electronic stores and other retailers starting sometime in the middle of February.  After the units are received, consumers can purchase them and hook them up in order to be ready for the dawn of digital television.

To make the transition to digital television even easier, the government is providing consumers who need them with up to two $40 coupons per household.  These special coupons can be used only toward the cost of a digital converter box, and they can be ordered through a dedicated toll free number at 1-888-DTV-2009.  The coupons are expected to be mailed sometime in the middle of February, just in time for the arrival of the boxes at retail stores.

The major advantage of this last choice is that it is certainly the least costly option for receiving digital television signals.  Assuming that the $40 coupon is applied, consumers could end up with a cost as low as $10 out of pocket.  This will certainly be welcome news to consumers on fixed incomes and others who have been worried about how the new television format will affect their wallet as well as their TV.