The Digital Transition
What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?
Why are we switching to DTV?
Why is Hawai'i moving to digital TV early?
What do the people of Hawai'i need to do to be ready for the digital TV switch?
What is the government doing to assist Americans?
Will the people of Hawai'i have to wait until after noon on January 15, 2009 to watch DTV?
If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after January 15, 2009 here in Hawai'i?
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. Here in Hawai'i, all
full-power stations will make the DTV transition at noon on January 15, 2009.
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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 is Hawai'i moving to digital TV early?
Actually, the broadcasters in Hawai'i requested to move the DTV transition
date forward.
Currently, most analog broadcasts on Maui are transmitted from equipment
located at the top of Haleakala. The Department of Defense and the University of
Hawai'i had requested that broadcasters relocate their transmission equipment
because of interference with astronomical equipment also located on Haleakala.
It had always been the broadcasters' plan to, upon the DTV transition date,
broadcast only in digital at a new antenna farm lower down the mountain at
Ulupalakua. Upon the switch, the equipment on Haleakala would be removed.
The Hawaiian petrel - a threatened bird species - nests upon Haleakala
beginning in March. Broadcasters needed to make the change to digital early in
order to take down existing mountaintop transmission equipment before the
petrels arrive. It was decided that if Maui had to make the DTV transition
early, it would make sense to have the entire state do the same to prevent
possible confusion among consumers within the state.
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What do the people of Hawai'i 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
January 15, 2009 for Hawai'i 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) should 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.
However, consumers should note that digital signals and analog signals are
not exactly the same. Even transmitted at the same power from the broadcasters'
antenna, they travel at different distances. And they have slightly differing
properties (particularly because some broadcasters are moving on your channel
dial). So, particularly if you live at the edge of the boundary where analog TV
signals reach now, there is a potential that the digital signals may not reach
your home after the transition. If that becomes the case, you will have to
subscribe to a paid television service (e.g., cable or satellite) in order to
watch television.
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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. Hawai'i residents are encouraged to apply for coupons by early
December in order to ensure their arrival in time for the January 2009 DTV
transition date. 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). Converter boxes will sell from $45 to $70 each. This is a one-time
cost.
Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable
or satellite service should not be affected by the January 15, 2009 cut-off date
for full-power commercial analog broadcasting in Hawai'i.
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Will the people of Hawai'i have to wait until after noon on January 15, 2009 to watch DTV?
Digital television is available now on Oahu and in Hilo. If you watch
over-the-air television today, you should be able to receive a number 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 541-2389 or 541-2390 or email
HawaiiDTVtransition@fcc.gov.
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If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after January 15, 2009 here in Hawai'i?
No. A digital-to-analog converter box may allow you to continue using your
existing analog TV to watch over-the-air digital broadcasts. You may 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
Hawai'i only apply to full-power broadcast stations. Low-power stations are
permitted to continue broadcasting analog signals after the deadlines. If you
wish to receive programming from low-power stations after January 15th, you
should purchase a converter box with the analog pass-through feature.
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Special note for residents of Kaua'i.
Kaua'i residents who currently watch television over-the-air get their
signals via low-power transmitters. This form of broadcasting will not make the
transition on January 15, 2009. However, in the future low-power broadcasts will
have to make the move to digital as well. If you anticipate keeping your current
analog television for a number of years in the future, consider getting a
digital-to-analog converter box now, like consumers who will make the transition
to digital in January 2009 are doing. It's a good way to be prepared for the
future and we recommend that you also take advantage of the government coupon
program described earlier on this page. When buying your converter box, be sure
to buy one with an analog pass-through capability.
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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 January 15,
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 01/02/09 |
