Frequently Asked Questions
Please submit new questions to lptv@ntia.doc.gov.
1. We have a CP for a digital companion channel but have not activated the channel. Are we eligible for the Digital-to-Analog Conversion Program?Yes. The Legislation establishing the Program requires that a station "is itself broadcasting exclusively in analog format." As long as the companion channel is not activated prior to application submission, the station remains eligible.
2. Our company operates several translators in many areas of the country. Some of the translators are in areas with less than 10,000 viewers and therefore qualify for priority compensation. Can I apply for all the stations at one time?
Yes. We suggest filing all applications simultaneously. Those stations eligible for priority processing (those serving areas of less than 10,000, or licensed to non-profit corporations) will be processed first. Applications which are not eligible for priority processing will be held until the open period begins February 1, 2008.
3. To provide a better signal to our translators, and ultimately to our analog viewers, we purchased a Digital-to-Analog Conversion Device and installed it in January 2007. Can we apply for reimbursement of $1,000 to offset the cost of the Digital-to-Analog Conversion Device?
Yes. The Legislation requires that a station "has not purchased a Digital-to-Analog Conversion Device prior to enactment of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005" (February 8, 2006). Since you purchased the device after February 8, 2006, you remain eligible for reimbursement from the program.
4. As a low-power television station, we rebroadcast a satellite signal and do not need a Digital-to-Analog Conversion Device. We are interested in obtaining equipment to begin digital broadcasting. Should we file an application for this program?
Although you are not required to file an application, it would be helpful to NTIA for you to electronically submit the "Optional Information for Future Digital Upgrade Program." While registration into the system is required, filing an application is not required. Under "Type of Application" click "Only interested in LPTV Upgrade Program."
5. The website indicates that the application requires using Internet Explorer 6. Will this be changed to allow other web browsers to access the system?
NTIA IT staff is aware of this issue and plans for later releases of the program to offer access by other web browsers.
6. Why must I fill out the application and ACH form on-line and then print-out and mail copies to NTIA?
The Department of Commerce grants policy requires original signatures on applications for federal funds for this program. We prefer signatures in blue ink. The electronic submissions will be matched with the mailed copies for verification and processing. The ACH payment form signed by your financial institution is used to transfer payments electronically to your bank account.
7. Will I need a Digital-to-Analog Conversion Device for each station that is carried on my translator system?
In most cases, yes. Each translator that has a unique FCC Facility Identification number is eligible for the $1000 payment for a conversion device. This means if your system is re-broadcasting six off-air digital channels, you should have six FCC Facility IDs, and can file six applications for funding.
8. I am having difficulty printing the application as required. What is the problem?
The on-line application form works best with specific margin settings in order to print the application properly. The recommended margins to print out this form should be set in the browser (Internet Explorer 6): from the tool bar at the top of the screen, click File, then click Page Setup. Adjust the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins to 0.3 (inches) or 21.6pt. Use the print buttons as given. Do not use the browser "print screen."
9. How do I get a User ID and Password for the On-line application?
You create both using between 8 and 16 characters when you sign up as a New User from the login page.
10. I mistakenly tried to register using an incorrect Facility ID. What do I do?
If you entered a incorrect Facility ID number, clicked the "Pre-Fill" button, and noticed the error, just re-enter the correct facility ID number and click Pre-Fill again. The information should now be correct. If you have clicked the register button after using the incorrect facility ID, you will need to contact the NTIA Program Officer (see contact list) or call (202) 482-1199 or E-mail lptv@ntia.doc.gov to have the incorrect entry deleted.
11. I mistakenly tried to submit an application for an incorrect Facility ID. What do I do?
If you entered a incorrect Facility ID number, clicked the "Pre-Fill" button, and noticed the error, just re-enter the correct facility ID number and click Pre-Fill again. The information should now be correct. If you have clicked the Save button after using the incorrect facility ID, you will need to contact the NTIA Program Officer (see contact list) or call (202) 482-1199 or E-mail lptv@ntia.doc.gov to have the incorrect entry deleted. While you are able to edit and modify information within the application before it is locked, the facility ID number cannot be changed once saved for an application.
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