What You Need to Know About the Transition to Digital TV (DTV)
By February 2009, the nation will complete a transition to digital-only television (DTV) and the way many Americans receive TV will change. WEDU wants to ensure that you understand what, if anything, you need to do to prepare for this change.
WHO will be affected? Anyone with a TV that uses an antenna or “rabbit ears” to receive television signals. About 1 in 3 Americans will need to take some steps to ensure their TVs will work with the new system.
WHAT do I need to know? If you own a TV that receives free television signals with an antenna (and does not have a built-in digital tuner), you will need to take some steps to continue using that TV. Consult your TV owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s Web site to determine if your TV has a digital tuner.
WHERE will this take place? Everywhere in the United States.
WHEN is this happening? DTV is already available, but the switch to digital-only will occur at midnight on February 17, 2009.
WHY make the change to digital television? DTV is a higher quality, more efficient way to transmit TV signals than the current system. DTV provides better picture and sound quality, and also allows stations to provide more free programming. It also improves communication abilities for public and safety services.
HOW will the DTV transition affect me?
If any of the TVs in your home receive television signals through an antenna, they will be affected. You have three options for making sure those TVs continue receiving TV service after February 17, 2009:
- Purchase a TV converter box for each TV that currently relies on an antenna. The price of a TV
converter box ranges from $40.00-$70.00. The government has a coupon program to reduce the cost. To request coupons or learn more about the coupon program, call 1.888.DTV.2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov;
- Connect to cable, satellite or another pay service; or
- Purchase a new digital TV. A wide range are available with prices starting at $100.00.
DTV Information
- 1.888.DTV.2009 - Hotline providing information on and accepting applications for coupons to offset the cost of TV converter boxes. In English and Spanish.
- 1.888.CALL.FCC - Hotline providing information on the DTV transition.
- www.dtv2009.gov - Site accepting TV converter box coupon applications and providing extensive coupon program and DTV transition information. Some resources in Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Russian and Chinese.
- www.dtv.gov - Site with basic DTV information, answers to frequently asked questions and a DTV Shopper’s Guide. Some resources in Spanish.
- www.dtvtransition.org - DTV site with a helpful quiz to help you learn if the transition to DTV will affect you. In English and Spanish.
- Deaf or hearing-impaired 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.
WEDU values your support and is here to help you during this transition. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about DTV. You can learn more by visiting wedu.org.
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