Why is industry flipping the switch from analog to digital TV? Get the answers to the important questions you need to ask today, so you can make the best choices for yourself or your family before February, 2009.
Until
fairly recently, all TV stations broadcast analog signals only, so TV sets
were called "analog" televisions. But that's about to change throughout the
U.S. Starting in February 2009, television stations will broadcast using
digital signals only, which means your old analog set won't work. But
there's good news. If you've been to the movie theater lately, you've
enjoyed the sharper images and clearer sounds digital technology provides.
If you haven't purchased a set with DTV capability, or bought digital conversion
equipment such as a digital tuner, your television is probably still an
analog set.
Digital television's new technology transforms
TV into a movie-like experience. DTV signals send information as encoded
"data bits," much the way a computer does. DTV broadcasts:
Are transmitted in data bits, so they are not subject to interference.
Pack picture increments (pixels) more tightly together, thus freeing up space for emergency communications.
Provide sharper, cleaner, and more detailed images than analog pictures, and
Picture clarity and resolution depend upon the
number of lines on the TV screen. The higher the number of lines, the
higher will be the resolution, or quality of the picture. So when you're
shopping for a digital TV, be sure you know the quality level of the sets
you're considering.
Standard Definition TV (SDTV): Offers basic digital
at "good" quality, similar to today's analog reception.
Enhanced-Definition Television: Offers "better"
digital quality than SDTV. The most frequently used DTV quality; EDT also has
digital surround sound.
High Definition TV (HDTV): Offers the "best" quality
digital picture--on widescreen sets only--and uses Dolby digital sound.
But, TV not all TV shows are broadcast in HDTV, so check before purchasing an
HDTV.
As part of a carefully
designed plan, since the mid-1990s, all broadcast TV stations in the
country have had temporary use of a second, separate channel so that they
could begin the transition from analog broadcasting to digital. The "big
switch," to replace all analog transmission with digital, will occur at
midnight, February 17, 2009.
Analog broadcasting will cease in February 2009,
but in the meantime you have two basic choices:
Go digital now
Make sure that any new TV you buy has a digital tuner. There are still
analog televisions on the market, but the FCC requires that all TVs shipped
from the manufacturer after March 1, 2007 must include a digital tuner.
Learn the digital lingo from a credible source such as the Consumer
Electronics Retailers Coalition's(CERT'S) buyer's tip sheet.
Compare different sets available for viewing in electronics departments.
Go online and compare TV prices and characteristics from different manufacturers.
Finally, compare the best picks in your price range with similar models
tested by Consumers Union and available in Consumer Reports.
Keep the analog set
You don't have to do anything for the time being. But come February 2009,
you'll need a converter box to enable your analog set to receive digital
signals.
If you decide to buy a DTV
Beware of "deals" at stores that might try to push TVs without digital tuners.
And don't buy HDTV without knowing whether your favorite shows will be
broadcast in the high density format.
Remember-unbiased information is the best defense against fraud.
Analog sets may be available in late 2008 or early 2009 at drastically
reduced prices. Remember you will need a converter box for these televisions
to work after February 17, 2009.
Analog TVs will continue to work with cable,
satellite, VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video game consoles and other devices
for many years. To make sure that the TV you're thinking of buying will be
compatible with your cable or satellite system, check with your service provider before
making the purchase.
Yes. The National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) is responsible for administering a coupon program
coupon program to provide up to two $40 coupons per household toward the
purchase of two converter boxes. The program is scheduled to begin in 2008,
so check with NTIA to find out if you're eligible.
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Until
fairly recently, all TV stations broadcast analog signals only, so TV sets
were called "analog" televisions. But that's about to change throughout the
U.S. Starting in February 2009, television stations will broadcast using
digital signals only, which means your old analog set won't work. But
there's good news. If you've been to the movie theater lately, you've
enjoyed the sharper images and clearer sounds digital technology provides.
If you haven't purchased a set with 
What is digital TV?
When
is the "big switch"?
What do I do now?
A
word for cable and satellite subscribers
Will
the government offer any help?
