Am I Affected?
Since June 13, 2009 –- the day following the June 12, 2009 DTV Transition deadline mandated by Congress for full-power television stations to cease broadcasting in analog -- all over-the-air TV broadcasts have been in digital. 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 TV set (a set with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming. 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. Purchase and hook up your digital-to-analog converter box now so you can start receiving the benefits of digital today.
Now That the DTV Transition Is Completed, Analog TV Sets Will Need Additional Equipment to Receive Over-the-Air Television
Consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on analog sets. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality.
If I Have an Older Analog Television, Do I Have to Throw it Away Now That June 12, 2009 Has Passed?
No. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV set 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.
Cable and Satellite TV
Cable subscribers may need new DTV equipment to view DTV programming in digital format. You should ask your cable provider what you will need and when.
Satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to receive and view high definition digital programming. You should ask your satellite company what you will need and when.
Related FAQs
What do I need for DTV picture reception?
Is my TV digital?
Can I still use my old analog TV set? How?