The Digital Transition
What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?
Why are we switching to DTV?
Why have you chosen Wilmington, NC as sort of the test
bed for moving to digital TV early?
What do the people of Wilmington need to do to be ready
for the digital TV switch?
What is the government doing to assist Americans?
Will the people of Wilmington have to wait until after noon
on September 8, 2008 to watch DTV?
If I have an older analog television, will I have to
throw it away after September 8th here in the Wilmington area?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Does the consumer need a digital-to-analog converter box if they subscribe to cable or satellite services?
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?
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,
the majority of the other spectrum has been auctioned off 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.”
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Why have you chosen Wilmington, NC as sort of the test bed
for moving to digital TV early?
Actually, the broadcasters in Wilmington have voluntarily agreed to be
the first market in the country to make the transition to digital television
(DTV).
We are pleased that they are stepping up to the challenges of premiering
the nation’s DTV transition and will turn off their analog signals at noon
on September 8, 2008. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. on September 8, 2008, these
local stations, WWAY (ABC), WSFX-TV (FOX), WECT (NBC), WILM-LP (CBS) and
W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting), will broadcast only digital signals to their
viewers in the five North Carolina counties that comprise this television
market.
We remain hopeful that other markets will step up to volunteer to
participate earlier than the February 17, 2009 deadline.
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What do the people of Wilmington need to do to be ready for
the digital TV switch?
Because Congress mandated that the last day for full-power
television stations to broadcast in analog would be February 17, 2009, most
over-the-air TV broadcasts will be in digital only after that date. Of
course this date will be September 8th of this year for Wilmington
area residents.
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 the transition. 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.
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What is the government doing to assist Americans?
The Commission is taking a three-pronged approach to effectively ensure a
smooth digital TV transition for the entire country. We have done our
homework and continue to take steps to put the right policies and rules in
place. Second, we have rolled out a comprehensive outreach and educational
campaign. Third, in cases in which it
is warranted, we are prepared to take enforcement actions against those who
violate the rules related to the transition.
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
https://www.dtv2009.gov/Wilmington.aspx, 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 September 8, 2008
cut-off date for full-power commercial analog broadcasting in the Wilmington
area.
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Will the people of Wilmington have to wait until after noon on September 8, 2008
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
1-877-388-0908 (TTY: 1-866-644-0908).
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If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after
September 8th here in the Wilmington area?
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.
However, it is important to note that the deadlines for the nation and
Wilmington only apply to full-power broadcast stations. Low-power stations
are permitted to continue broadcasting analog signals after the deadlines.
The good news for Wilmington is that two of the three low-power stations
serving the area will be participating in the switch to digital signals on
September 8th (WILM – CBS and W51CW – Trinity Broadcasting.) The third low power station, My Network will not transition to digital on September 8th. If you wish to receive this station after September 8, you should purchase a converter box with the analog pass-through feature.
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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.
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How can I be sure that I am buying a digital TV (DTV)?
By law all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs,
DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must
now 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 informing the consumer that it’s
an analog-only television.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
For more information on antennas and digital television please visit the
FCC’s web site at:
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvantennas.html.
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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 September 8, 2008.
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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.
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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.
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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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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?
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
the nationwide transition, February 17, 2009.
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.
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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 do not receive your local stations through your satellite provider and use an antenna instead, you will need a digital to analog converter box to continue receiving these stations.
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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. (Please note that these coupons will
expire 90 days after mailing). This is a one-time cost. For more
information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit
https://www.dtv2009.gov/Wilmington.aspx,
or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).
Return to Questions
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.
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Does the consumer need a digital-to-analog converter box if they subscribe to cable or satellite services?
No. In fact the converter box eligible for the coupon will not work with your
cable or satellite provided programming. A consumer will need a converter box if they do not receive their local stations through their satellite provider.
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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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Last reviewed/updated on 09/03/08 |
