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DTV Questions About:
Digital Transition	Your Television	Cable and Satellite	Converter Box	General Questions

The Digital Transition

What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?

Why are we switching to DTV?

What do I need to do to be ready for the end of analog TV broadcasting?

Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009 to watch DTV?

If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?

Will the February 17, 2009 date for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting be pushed back?

Your Television

If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television after the transition?

How can I be sure that I am buying a digital TV (DTV)?

How do I know if I already have a digital TV (DTV)?

What is the difference between “Integrated” DTVs and DTV or HDTV “Monitors”?

What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and gaming console? Will I be able to use them with a digital television set?

How do I get DTV or HDTV programming?

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?

What will happen to the old analog TVs that will be replaced by DTVs? Will there be an effort to recycle them?

Cable and Satellite

Does the DTV transition affect TV sets that are connected to cable services?

Is the FCC making cable companies switch to digital service?

Can my cable company make me get a box to receive the cable channels I receive today without a box?

How do I know if I already have digital programming through my cable or satellite TV service?

My cable operator offers a digital cable package. Is this the same as HDTV?

Do cable TV networks, like CNN, MSNBC, Lifetime, etc., have to switch to digital broadcasting as well?

Can my cable system move programming to a digital tier that makes me subscribe to digital service?

Will cable customers with analog TVs have to buy or rent a set-top box from their cable company? If so, how much will it cost?

Does the DTV Transition affect TV sets connected to satellite TV service?

Converter Box

What is the Converter Box Coupon Program?

What digital to analog converter boxes are coupon eligible?

Can I hook up more than one TV and video recorder to a single digital-to-analog converter box?

Will digital-to-analog converter boxes (used to convert over-the-air digital TV broadcasts for viewing on analog sets) also convert digital closed captioning?

I have an old antenna that attaches to my TV with two wires. Will I be able to use a converter box with this antenna?

General Questions

What about my portable, battery-powered analog television? Will I be able to use it to watch broadcast television after February 17, 2009?

Will the AM/FM radio in my analog TV still work after February 17, 2009?

My radio currently receives the audio portion of TV channels. Will it work after February 17, 2009?

My local AM/FM radio station re-broadcasts a TV channel’s audio. Will the radio station continue this service after February 17, 2009?

My local television station re-broadcasts AM/FM radio stations on a television channel. Will I still be able to listen to these radio station re-broadcasts on my television after February 17, 2009?

Will digital television stations continue to provide emergency alerts?

What are low-power (LPTV), Class A, and TV translator stations and how does the DTV transition affect them?

What are my options for watching over-the air analog TV broadcasts from LPTV or translator stations after the digital transition?

Will I be able to use parental controls like the V-chip with digital TV the same way I now can with my analog TV?

Why doesn’t the picture on my digital television fill up the entire screen? Why do bars on the top and bottom or sides of the picture appear with different programming?

Why do some programs look “clearer” than others on my digital television?

Will my building’s master antenna system work with digital TV signals?

The Digital Transition

What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?

The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.

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Why are we switching to DTV?

An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads). Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband).

Consumers also benefit because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog. For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog program, a broadcaster is able to offer a super sharp “high definition” (HD) digital program or multiple “standard definition” (SD) digital programs simultaneously through a process called “multicasting.” Multicasting allows broadcast stations to offer several channels of digital programming at the same time, using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program. So, for example, while a station broadcasting in analog on channel 7 is only able to offer viewers one program, a station broadcasting in digital on channel 7 can offer viewers one digital program on channel 7-1, a second digital program on channel 7-2, a third digital program on channel 7-3, and so on. This means more programming choices for viewers.

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What do I need to do to be ready for the end of analog TV broadcasting?

Because Congress mandated that the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog would be February 17, 2009, over-the-air TV broadcasts will be in digital only after that date. If you have one or more televisions that receive free over-the-air television programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), the type of TV you own is very important. A digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog television, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. This converter box will also enable you to see any additional multicast programming that your local stations are offering.

To help consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Beginning in January of 2008, the NTIA has begun accepting applications for coupons. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting.

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Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009 to watch DTV?

No, digital television is available now. If you watch over-the-air television today, you should be able to receive all or most of your local stations’ digital signals if you have a DTV receiver. You may view high definition and multicast programming from your local stations. Check your local program listings or contact your local TV stations to find out more about the digital television available now. The FCC’s special website, www.dtv.gov, has more information on digital television, or call 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322).

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Will the February 17, 2009 date for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting be pushed back?

Federal law mandates that February 17, 2009 is the last day of full-power analog television broadcasting. Government agencies, industry, public interest groups, and other interested organizations are working hard to make sure that the deadline is met and that everyone is prepared for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting.

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If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?

No. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV to watch over-the-air digital broadcasts. You do not need to get rid of your existing analog TV. In addition, analog sets should continue to work as before if connected to a subscription service such as cable or satellite TV. Also, analog sets should continue to work with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products that you use now.   

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Your Television

If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television after the transition?

No. It is important to understand that the DTV transition is a transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. It is not a transition from analog broadcasting to High Definition broadcasting. Digital broadcasting allows for High Definition broadcasts, but High Definition is not required, and you do not need to buy a HDTV to watch digital TV. A Standard Definition DTV (which is simply a TV with an internal digital tuner), or a digital-to-analog converter box hooked to an analog TV, is all that is required to continue watching over-the-air broadcast television. Digital broadcast television includes Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) formats. You can watch High Definition programming on a Standard Definition DTV (or on an analog TV hooked to a digital-to-analog converter box), but it won’t be in full High Definition quality. It is also important to know that Standard Definition DTVs are comparably priced to similar sized analog TVs.

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How can I be sure that I am buying a digital TV (DTV)?

By law, beginning March 1, 2007, all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory, but must prominently display on or near the analog-only device a Consumer Alert label with this advisory:

Therefore, all television equipment being sold should contain a digital tuner, or should be identified at the point-of-sale as not having one. Be aware of this label and the limitations of analog-only devices if you are purchasing a new TV or other TV equipment.

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How do I know if I already have a digital TV (DTV)?

Many DTVs and digital television equipment will have labels or markings on them, or statements in the informational materials that came with them, to indicate that they contain digital tuners. These labels or markings may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” (High Definition television). If your television equipment contains any of these labels or markings, you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box. (Remember, you do not need an HDTV to view free over-the-air digital programming. As long as your television equipment contains a digital tuner, you can view over-the-air digital. An HDTV is only necessary if you want to view High Definition programming in full HD quality.) You should also check the manual or any other materials that came with your television equipment in order to determine whether it contains a digital tuner.

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 digital tuner in order to view over-the-air digital programming.

Over-the-air digital set-top boxes for Digital or HD “Monitors” can be purchased at retail stores. Cable and satellite TV providers also sell or lease digital set-top boxes for their specific services. (Note: the digital set-top box described here is not the same as the digital-to-analog converter box, described above, used to convert free over-the-air digital broadcasts for viewing on an analog TV set.)

If your television set is labeled as “analog” or “NTSC,” and is NOT labeled as containing a digital tuner, it contains an analog tuner only.

If you cannot determine whether your television set or other television equipment contains a digital tuner, you are advised to check your equipment for the manufacturer name and model number, and then contact your consumer electronics retailer, or the manufacturer, to determine whether it contains a digital tuner. This information also may be available online through the manufacturer’s website.

Because most broadcast stations in all U.S. television markets are already broadcasting in digital, consumers can watch DTV today. You can contact your local broadcast stations to determine the channel numbers on which the stations are currently broadcasting digital programming. You should then ensure that your television is set up to receive over-the-air programming (as distinguished from being connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service), and then tune to the over-the-air digital channels to see if your set can receive the digital broadcast programming.

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What is the difference between “Integrated” DTVs and DTV or HDTV “Monitors”?

An Integrated DTV set is a television with a built-in digital tuner (also referred to as “a DTV”). A digital tuner is also sometimes called a DTV decoder or DTV receiver. If you have an Integrated DTV, you will not need any additional equipment, with the exception of a broadcast antenna (either a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” connected to the set), to receive over-the-air digital broadcast programming. Integrated DTVs can also receive and display analog broadcast programming, so you can continue watching analog broadcasts.

In contrast, a DTV Monitor is not capable of receiving digital broadcast programming without additional equipment; it is simply a display device without the processing capability for DTV reception. A digital or HD set-top box must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display over-the-air digital or HD programming.

If you have a digital or HD “Monitor” and would like to purchase a digital or HD set-top box to view over-the-air programming, confirm with your retailer that the set-top box is compatible with your Monitor.

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What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and gaming console? Will I be able to use them with a digital television set?

Yes. Digital television sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets. However, their video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality when DTVs are used with existing analog equipment. Check with your retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.

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How do I get DTV or HDTV programming?

In order to receive over-the-air digital programming (as opposed to digital programming provided by a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service), you will need: (1) a DTV (a TV with a digital tuner) or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box and (2) a broadcast antenna (either a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” connected to your set). In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV broadcasting will work for digital TV broadcasting.

A listing of the U.S. TV stations that are broadcasting digital programming is available at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html. Satellite TV providers and many cable systems are currently offering digital programming. Subscribers should check with their service providers to see what digital programming is available in their area.

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Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?

In general, dependable reception of over-the-air digital TV programming will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV programming. If you need a roof-top antenna to receive analog TV broadcasts, the same antenna generally will work to receive digital TV broadcasts. You should not have to purchase new antennas that are marketed as “digital ready” or “HD ready.”

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What will happen to the old analog TVs that will be replaced by DTVs? Will there be an effort to recycle them?

There are recycling programs for those who choose to discard old analog TVs or other old electronic products (but remember, analog TVs can continue to be used after the transition). One such program is myGreenElectronics. Through this program you can learn about disposal options and locate recycling programs near you. Go to http://www.mygreenelectronics.org for more information.

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Cable and Satellite

Does the DTV transition affect TV sets that are connected to cable services?

No. If you subscribe to cable service, the DTV transition should not affect any TV sets that are connected to your cable services. The DTV transition applies only to full-power broadcast television stations – stations that use the public airwaves to transmit their programming to viewers through a broadcast antenna.

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Is the FCC making cable companies switch to digital service?

No. Cable companies are not required to switch to digital service. Cable companies may choose to make their service all or partly digital, but they are not required to change from the analog service they offer today. In fact, the FCC requires cable companies to continue to provide local stations in analog as long as they provide any analog service, even after February 17, 2009.

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Can my cable company make me get a box to receive the cable channels I receive today without a box?

Some cable companies have decided to switch to digital service. This is a business decision made by the cable companies and is not required by the federal government. Your cable company may decide to move certain cable channels off of its analog service tier and onto a digital service tier, or it may decide to switch to all-digital service at once, so that there is no analog service tier for any subscribers. If your cable company decides to move some or all of the channels it provides onto a digital service tier, it may notify you that you need to get “digital cable” equipment to continue receiving that cable service. This may include renting or purchasing a digital cable set-top box or purchasing a digital cable ready TV equipped with a “CableCARD” slot. The digital cable equipment is different from the digital-to-analog converter boxes that are used to receive over-the-air broadcast signals.

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How do I know if I already have digital programming through my cable or satellite TV service?

You may receive digital programming if you subscribe to a digital or HD package from your provider and you are viewing the digital programming on a digital set. However, the digital cable tier and satellite TV service are not necessarily DTV. Your cable or satellite TV system may be using digital technology as a more efficient way of delivering analog programming to you. If you have an analog television set, then you are probably not getting digital, even though the reception may be somewhat improved. Check with your cable or satellite TV provider to find out what kinds of programming you can receive, and what equipment you need to receive it.

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My cable operator offers a digital cable package. Is this the same as HDTV?

No. “Digital cable” and high definition programming on cable are not the same. If you want to watch HDTV programming on cable, you will need to subscribe to your cable provider’s HDTV package and view the programming on an HDTV set. You may also need a set-top box or other equipment to view HDTV programming. Check with your cable provider to find out what kinds of programming you can receive, and what equipment you need to receive it.

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Do cable TV networks, like CNN, MSNBC, Lifetime, etc., have to switch to digital broadcasting as well?

No. The current requirement to switch from analog to digital only applies to full-power broadcast TV stations, which use the public airwaves to provide free over-the-air programming. However, as cable providers convert to digital transmissions over their systems, you may need to subscribe to their digital tier to continue to receive this non-broadcast programming.

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Can my cable system move programming to a digital tier that makes me subscribe to digital service?

Your cable system decides when and whether to carry programming on a digital tier, which may mean that you will need digital equipment. However, all of your local stations will continue to be available in analog format for as long as your cable system offers any analog service.

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Will cable customers with analog TVs have to buy or rent a set-top box from their cable company? If so, how much will it cost?

First, it's important to know that the February 17, 2009 deadline for the digital television transition only applies to full-power broadcast stations. Cable companies are not required by the government to transition their systems to digital, and can continue to deliver channels to their customers in analog. Cable companies are actually required by FCC rules to continue offering local broadcast stations to their customers in analog as long as they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after February 17, 2009. The Commission will decide in 2011 whether the requirement should be continued beyond February 17, 2012. This means that customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will be able to continue to do so.

However, for business reasons (among other things, digital is much more efficient than analog), cable companies may be interested in transitioning their systems from analog delivery to digital delivery. If a cable company makes the business decision to go all-digital (meaning it will stop offering any channels to its customers in analog), it must ensure that its analog customers can continue to watch their local broadcast stations. This may require customers with analog televisions to get a set-top box. If the cable company provides the customer with a set-top box, any costs related to it will be determined by the cable company. Therefore, it is recommended that analog cable customers contact their cable company to ask if a set-top box will be needed, when it will be needed, and if there will be a cost.

It is also important to note that a cable set-top box is different from a digital-to-analog converter box. A digital-to-analog converter box is necessary only for analog televisions that receive their programming over-the-air using a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" connected to the set. A digital-to-analog converter box is not necessary for a TV connected to a paid television service such as a cable or satellite TV provider. Information on any set-top boxes needed for a paid service such as cable or satellite should be obtained from the service provider.

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Does the DTV Transition affect TV sets connected to satellite TV service?

The DTV transition will not affect satellite TV subscribers who receive their local TV stations through their satellite dishes. Satellite TV service is a digital service and all satellite subscribers must have a set-top box connected to their TVs to receive the satellite-delivered programming. As a result, there should be no change in service for satellite subscribers unless the local TV stations are not provided by the satellite carrier. If you subscribe to a satellite TV service, you should check with your provider to find out if you receive a local TV station package through your satellite dish.

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Converter Box

What is the Converter Box Coupon Program?

To help consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Beginning in January of 2008, the NTIA has begun accepting applications for coupons. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

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What digital to analog converter boxes are coupon eligible?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is maintaining a list of eligible boxes at https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm.

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Can I hook up more than one TV and video recorder to a single digital-to-analog converter box?

You will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner. The digital-to-analog converter box basically replaces the analog tuner in one piece of equipment. So if you want to use your analog TV and VCR at the same time (for example, to watch one program and record another simultaneously), you will need two digital-to-analog converter boxes.

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Will digital-to-analog converter boxes (used to convert over-the-air digital TV broadcasts for viewing on analog sets) also convert digital closed captioning?

Yes. FCC rules require that digital-to-analog converter boxes be able to convert over-the-air digital closed captioning for display on analog TV sets. See http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvcaptions.html.

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I have an old antenna that attaches to my TV with two wires. Will I be able to use a converter box with this antenna?

Yes, but you will need to get two adapters (also called "baluns" or "matching transformers," which are pictured below). Unscrew the existing twin-lead antenna wire from your TV “Antenna In” twin-lead terminals. Attach the existing twin-lead antenna wire to the twin-lead terminals on the twin-lead adaptor (first picture below). Then plug the twin-lead adaptor’s coaxial connector into the “Antenna In (RF)” port on the Converter Box. Using coaxial wire, plug one end into the “Out To TV (RF)” port on the Converter Box. Plug the other end into a coaxial adaptor (second picture below). Then attach the coaxial adaptor to your TV “Antenna In” twin-lead terminals.

Setting Up Your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box (Basic with twin-lead antenna wire)

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General Questions

What about my portable, battery-powered analog television? Will I be able to use it to watch broadcast television after February 17, 2009?

Portable, battery-powered analog televisions can receive over-the-air digital programming if they are connected to a digital-to-analog converter box and a separate broadcast antenna. The battery-powered analog television must have an "antenna in" port in order to connect it to a digital-to-analog converter box. Also, if local utility power service is not available, another power source will be needed to supply power to the digital-to-analog converter box. There are several options available for consumers to supply back-up power to a digital-to-analog converter box. These external power sources include rechargeable battery packs, uninterruptible power supplies, car battery adapters, and small power generators. Also, there is at least one converter box manufacturer that offers a separate battery pack for its converter box. Check with your local and online retailers for further information on these devices.

Another option for consumers is to obtain a battery-powered digital television. Battery-powered digital televisions are marked with words such as “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-in,” “Digital Receiver,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV.” Check with your local electronics stores or online retailers for product availability.

It is also important to note that consumers still can turn to their battery-powered radios for important information during weather emergencies.

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Will the AM/FM radio in my analog TV still work after February 17, 2009?

Although the digital television transition does not affect AM/FM radio broadcasting, the functioning of an integrated radio within an analog television depends on the device and your particular configuration.

If there is no digital-to-analog converter box attached to the radio/television combination unit, the radio in your television will continue to function as it did before.

If there is a digital-to-analog converter box attached to your radio/television combination unit, and the unit relies on the external antenna connected to the converter box for radio reception, the radio will function if the digital-to-analog converter box contains an analog pass-through feature. The NTIA maintains a list of analog pass-through capable boxes at www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm (denoted with an asterisk). The radio will also function if the unit is not connected to a digital-to-analog converter box.

If the radio/television combination unit relies on a separate antenna for AM/FM radio that is not connected to a digital-to-analog converter box, it should be able to receive AM/FM radio broadcasts whether the unit is connected to a digital-to-analog converter box or not.

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My radio currently receives the audio portion of TV channels. Will it work after February 17, 2009?

Radios that are designed to tune the audio portion of analog TV broadcasts will not be capable of receiving the audio portion of digital TV broadcasts. You may wish to consider obtaining new portable digital televisions or radios that can receive the audio portion of digital television broadcasts as they become available on the market.

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My local AM/FM radio station re-broadcasts a TV channel’s audio. Will the radio station continue this service after February 17, 2009?

The audio and video in a digital television broadcast signal is combined in a manner that may require an AM/FM re-broadcaster of TV station audio to install additional equipment to continue such a service. Please check with your local radio AM/FM broadcaster to see if they will maintain TV channel audio re-broadcasting.

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My local television station re-broadcasts AM/FM radio stations on a television channel. Will I still be able to listen to these radio station re-broadcasts on my television after February 17, 2009?

If your local television station re-broadcasts radio stations on a full-power television station channel, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch that television channel and hear any associated audio on an analog TV.

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Will digital television stations continue to provide emergency alerts?

Yes. Digital television stations are required to continue operating the Emergency Alert System (EAS). For more information about EAS, please visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/eas.html.

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What are low-power (LPTV), Class A, and TV translator stations and how does the DTV transition affect them?

You may have noticed that Congress mandated that “full-power” TV stations will not be able to broadcast in analog after February 17, 2009. While the majority of the viewed TV broadcast stations are full-power stations, three other categories of TV stations exist – “low-power” stations, “Class A” stations, and “TV translator” stations. There is currently no deadline for these stations to convert to digital broadcasting.

The FCC created low-power television (LPTV) service in 1982 to provide opportunities for locally-oriented television service in small communities. These communities may be in rural areas or may be individual communities within larger urban areas. LPTV stations are operated by diverse groups and organizations including high schools and colleges, churches and religious groups, local governments, large and small businesses and individual citizens. More than 2,100 licensed LPTV stations are in operation. LPTV programming can include satellite-delivered programming services, syndicated programs, movies, and a wide range of locally-produced programs.

Class A TV stations are former LPTV stations that have certain interference protection rights not available to LPTV stations. These stations are technically similar to LPTV stations, but unlike LPTV stations must air at least three hours of locally-produced programming each week and comply with most of the non-technical regulations applicable to full-power stations. Approximately 600 licensed Class A TV stations are in operation.

A TV translator station rebroadcasts the programs of a full-power TV broadcast station. Translator stations typically serve communities that cannot receive the signals of free over-the-air TV stations because they are too far away from a full-power TV station or because of geography (such as uneven terrain or mountains). Many of the 4,700 licensed TV translator stations operate in mountainous or more remote areas of the country.

There are several ways to determine whether the broadcast stations you view over-the-air (with a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” attached to your TV) are LPTV, Class A or TV translator stations. Class A stations are required to visually or aurally identify their stations with their community of license and call sign (that includes the suffix “-CA” for Class A) at sign on, sign off, and on an hourly basis. LPTV stations also must regularly identify their station call sign. When locally originating programming, they must visually or aurally identify their call sign and community of license at sign on, sign off, and hourly. LPTV call signs may consist of four letters followed by the suffix “-LP” (for low power) or, alternatively, five characters beginning with the letters K or W followed by two numbers (their operating channel) and two additional letters. Also, some TV translators are identified by the full-power TV stations whose signals they rebroadcast. Further, LPTV, Class A, and TV translator stations may regularly broadcast information as to their status, and may include information regarding the DTV transition.

While the February 17, 2009 deadline for ending analog broadcasts does not apply to low-power, Class A, and TV translator stations, the FCC will require these stations to convert to digital broadcasting some time thereafter. Nearly 2,000 of these stations have been authorized to construct digital facilities and some are broadcasting in digital already. The FCC is currently considering the remaining issues involved with the low-power digital transition and will make decisions regarding these stations in the future.

If you have an analog-only television that receives free over-the-air programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), you will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box in order to watch digital broadcast television. Each U.S. household is eligible to receive two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of two digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). More information can be found at www.dtv2009.gov, or by calling 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

If you purchase a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on an analog TV and also wish to continue watching analog LPTV, Class A, or TV translator stations, you should purchase a converter box with “analog pass-through” capability, which allows analog broadcast signals to pass through the converter box to be tuned by your analog TV. NTIA’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program has certified converter box models that have analog pass-through capability. A current list of coupon-eligible converter boxes is available at https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm. The converter box models that have analog pass-through capability are noted on the list with an asterisk next to them. In addition, NTIA will mail a list of current coupon-eligible converter boxes, noting with an asterisk those that have analog pass-through capability, to each household that receives converter box coupons. You can also check with your retailer to determine whether the converter box you are purchasing has analog pass-through capability.

If you purchase a digital-to-analog converter box without analog pass-through capability, you may have to connect an antenna switch or a signal “splitter” to bypass the box if you wish to view analog TV broadcasts. Check with the manufacturer of the digital-to-analog converter box and your retailer if you need instructions on how to connect the box to view broadcasts from both analog and digital stations.

Viewers should look for information from their LPTV, Class A, and TV translator stations about plans to convert from analog to digital broadcasting. Viewers should also visit www.fcc.gov for any updates on the digital transition of low-power, Class A, and TV translator stations.

List of All Class A, LPTV, and TV Translator Stations:  Excel

Low Power Television Station Search Tool

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What are my options for watching over-the air analog TV broadcasts from LPTV or translator stations after the digital transition?

To watch analog LPTV and translator station broadcasts received through an antenna, you can take one or more of the following actions:

• Keep an analog TV connected to a broadcast antenna to view analog LPTV and translator station broadcasts.

• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that has analog pass-through capability. For a current list of digital-to-analog converter boxes that have been certified by NTIA as eligible for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, click on https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm and look for the boxes with the asterisk (*) next to them. Analog pass-through allows you to watch analog television broadcasts as well as digital television broadcasts through the converter box.

• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box without analog pass-through capability, and then connect a "splitter" or antenna switch to receive both analog and digital broadcasts. Check with your consumer electronics retailer if you need instructions on how to connect the box to view broadcasts from both analog and digital stations.

• Purchase a digital television set. A television with a built-in digital tuner can receive both analog and digital stations, so you will be able to watch both digital programming and analog LPTV and translator station programming for as long as these stations continue to broadcast in analog.

• Subscribe to a cable television or other pay service that carries the analog station(s) you want to watch.

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Will I be able to use parental controls like the V-chip with digital TV the same way I now can with my analog TV?

Yes. The V-chip is a technology that enables parents to block television programming based on a program’s rating. The ratings are encoded within the television signal. The V-chip reads the encoded rating information of each program and blocks shows according to the parents’ blocking selections. FCC rules require that V-chips be built into digital televisions and other DTV reception devices just as they are in analog televisions. You can learn about the ratings system, also known as “TV Parental Guidelines,” at www.fcc.gov/vchip.

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Why doesn’t the picture on my digital television fill up the entire screen? Why do bars on the top and bottom or sides of the picture appear with different programming?

Traditional analog TV has an aspect ratio of 4:3 (almost square). This means that a TV screen is 4 inches wide for every 3 inches it is tall. Most digital televisions have an aspect ratio of 16:9 (rectangular) and are called “widescreen.” The 16:9 aspect ratio more closely approximates the look of movies and the amount of programming that is being offered in 16:9 is increasing.

When the aspect ratio of the television program and your television set do not match, bars on the top and/or sides of the image may appear to ensure that the image is not distorted.

In order to properly display 16:9 content on a 4:3 set, your digital television or digital-to-analog converter box may place bars at the top and bottom of the image – a process called “letterboxing.”

Similarly, to properly display 4:3 content on a 16:9 television set, bars may be placed on the sides of the screen – a process called “pillar boxing.”

Also, some programs are “letterboxed” or “pillar boxed” during broadcast. For example, many commercials are produced in analog with a 4:3 aspect ratio, but are broadcast with letterboxing for a “modern” look or to leave room for text or subtitles. When such a commercial is aired during a widescreen (16:9) program, it will also be pillar-boxed. This results in a 16:9 format broadcast that already has bars above and below it. When such a broadcast is viewed on a 16:9 set, it results in bars appearing above, below, and on the sides – a result called a “postage stamp.”

Many digital-to-analog converter boxes and digital televisions allow you to “zoom” into the image to eliminate the bars. This may result in part of the image being cut off or “cropped.” Some digital-to-analog converter boxes and digital televisions also provide the ability to alter the image to fit the screen, either by “stretching” or “squeezing” the image. Please consult the owner’s manual of your digital television or digital-to-analog converter box for details on how to eliminate the bars through zooming, stretching or squeezing the image on your screen.

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Why do some programs look “clearer” than others on my digital television?

Depending on your television, you may notice the resolution of the picture changing between programs. With a higher resolution television, lower resolution channels or programming will appear in their lower resolution. Therefore, switching between a channel or program that is broadcast at a high resolution to a channel or program of a lower resolution will result in a visible loss of image quality.

Resolutions that broadcasters may use include:

Standard Definition TV (SDTV) - SDTV is the basic level of quality display and resolution for both analog and digital. Transmission of SDTV may be in either the traditional (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) format and consists of 480 interlaced lines of resolution.
Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) - EDTV is a step up from analog television and Standard Definition digital television. EDTV comes in widescreen (16:9) or traditional (4:3) format and provides 480 progressively scanned lines of resolution. This is approximately twice as much resolution as SDTV and is the format most often found on DVDs.
High Definition TV (HDTV) - HDTV in widescreen format (16:9) provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. It consists of either 1080 interlaced or 720 progressively scanned lines of resolution and includes the ability to transmit digital surround sound.

For more information, please see www.dtv.gov/DTV_booklet.pdf.

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Will my building’s master antenna system work with digital TV signals?

What is a Master Antenna System?

Some people who live in an apartment building, condominium, home owners’ association, high-rise, co-op or other multiple dwelling unit (MDU) receive local TV stations through a master antenna system, sometimes called a common antenna or a MATV system. These antenna systems receive TV signals through an antenna on the roof or in a central location and provide the signals through wiring in the building or development that connects to the TV set in individual apartments or homes. Some of these systems provide the local TV stations for free, and some of them are packaged with satellite programming and charge a fee. These shared or community antenna systems are sometimes known as “satellite master antenna systems,” or “SMATVs”. Also, some people who live in MDUs receive local TV stations through a private cable operator (PCO) serving just one building or homeowners’ development.

How is this different from having cable in my building?

If you subscribe to the cable TV service offered in your city or town, or if you subscribe individually to satellite TV service and receive your local channels through your own satellite dish, you will continue to receive your local broadcast channels without having to buy a digital television or DTV converter box.

Will my apartment building master antenna system work with digital TV signals?

If you receive local TV stations through a shared antenna or private cable system serving just your building or homeowners’ development, then you need to check with your building, landlord, condo association, co-op association, home owners’ association, or private cable operator to find out if you need to take action to continue to receive local stations after the analog signals are turned off on February 17, 2009.

Many of these antenna systems will need some adjustment so that the digital signals can be received and delivered through the wiring to your apartment or home for you to view with a digital converter box or with a digital television set. Each building’s antenna system is different, so check with your landlord, building manager, homeowner or condo association or video provider to find out how you are affected.

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Last reviewed/updated on 11/14/08