Learn About DTV
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Now that the DTV Transition is completed and all stations have changed to their final DTV channels, be sure to scan for channel changes as convenient.
Please note that the June 12, 2009 DTV transition deadline did not apply to low-power television (LPTV) stations. The FCC will determine a deadline for these stations to transition to digital at a future date. Learn more about LPTV.
- Digital Transition
- Your Television
- Cable and Satellite
- Converter Box
- General Questions
- Top FAQs
Your Television
- Why Do I Have Poor Reception with DTV?
- How Do I Improve DTV Signal Strength?
- Do I Have to Buy an HDTV to View Digital Television?
- How Do I Know if I am Buying a DTV set? Are They Labeled?
- How Much Do DTV Sets Cost?
- What Are My Screen Choices for DTV Sets?
- What are the Differences Between DTV/HDTV Sets and DTV/HDTV "Monitors"?
- Will Stores Still Sell Analog TV Sets? If So, Are There Labeling Requirements?
- What Is "Plug-and-Play" Compatibility?
- What Is High Definition TV (HDTV)?
- Is My TV Digital?
- Now That the DTV Transition Is Completed, Can I Still Use My Old Analog TV Set? How?
- Can I Recycle My Old Analog TV Set?
Portable, Battery-powered Televisions
- What are portable, battery-powered televisions?
- Now that the June 12, 2009 DTV Transition Is Completed, Can I still use my portable, battery-powered analog television to watch over-the-air broadcast television programming?
- Do I need an antenna to connect my portable, battery-powered analog TV set to a digital-to-analog converter box?
- What if the digital-to-analog converter box is not battery-powered?
- Are there battery-powered digital-to-analog converter boxes?
- Are there portable, battery-powered digital TVs available?
- Can I Connect My Portable TV Set to a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box?
- How do I connect my portable, battery-powered analog TV to a battery-powered digital-to-analog converter box?
Why Do I Have Poor Reception with DTV?
Your DTV reception can be affected by terrain, trees, buildings, the weather, damaged equipment, as well as antenna type, location, and orientation. It can be improved just by changing the location of the antenna you’re using now. Moving your antenna away from other objects and structures, or placing it higher, can often improve reception. The performance of outdoor antennas can degrade over time due to exposure to the weather. Also, you may consider installing a signal booster, which should improve reception. If you are having trouble receiving a broadcast:
- Check your connections.
- Perform a channel scan.
- Adjust your antenna.
The FCC Consumer Facts sheet “Troubleshooting Guide For Digital-to-Analog Converter Boxes and Digital Televisions” at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/troubleshootguide.html should help you diagnose and correct your problem.
If you are having trouble receiving TV stations broadcasting on channels 2 through 13, see the DTV Reception Tipsheet.
To find DTV signals that are available at your location, go to DTV Reception Maps.
For more information on antennas, see the Antenna Guide.
How Do I Improve DTV Signal Strength?
Your DTV reception can be affected by terrain, trees, buildings, the weather, damaged equipment, as well as antenna type, location, and orientation. It can be improved just by changing the location of the antenna you’re using now. Moving your antenna away from other objects and structures, or placing it higher, can often improve reception. The performance of outdoor antennas can degrade over time due to exposure to the weather. Also, you may consider installing a signal booster, which should improve reception. If you are having trouble receiving a broadcast:
- Check your connections.
- Perform a channel scan.
- Adjust your antenna.
The FCC Consumer Facts sheet “Troubleshooting Guide For Digital-to-Analog Converter Boxes and Digital Televisions” at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/troubleshootguide.html should help you diagnose and correct your problem.
If you are having trouble receiving TV stations broadcasting on channels 2 through 13, see the DTV Reception Tipsheet.
To find DTV signals that are available at your location, go to DTV Reception Maps.
For more information on antennas, see the Antenna Guide.
Do I Have to Buy an HDTV to View Digital Television?
No. It is not necessary to buy an HDTV to view broadcast digital television. A Standard Definition TV (SDTV) or a digital-to-analog converter box hooked up to an analog TV is all that is required.
The DTV Transition was a change from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting; not from analog to High Definition (HD). A digital TV can also receive and process an HDTV signal, but the picture displayed will be of standard quality, not HD quality. Digital broadcast television includes both HD and SD formats. You can watch HD programming on a non-HDTV set, but it will not be in full HD quality.
Note that SDTV sets are comparably priced to similar-sized analog sets.
How Do I Know if I am Buying a DTV set? Are They Labeled?
Many DTV sets and other digital television equipment have labels, markings, or statements in the informational materials that come 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,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” (High Definition TV). If your television equipment contains any of these labels or markings, you are able to view digital over-the-air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box.
Retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory. However, if it is not digital, the retailer is required to identify analog-only devices at the point-of-sale by prominently displaying a Consumer Alert label on or near the analog-only device. Applicable devices include TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.
CONSUMER ALERT
This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after June 12, 2009*, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.DTV.gov.
Applicable devices include TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.
As with any new consumer electronics technology, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction. Prices vary depending on screen size, display technology, whether a DTV tuner is built-in, and other features. DTV set sizes range from very small to quite large.
What Are My Screen Choices for DTV Sets?
Your choices are: Flat Panel, Rear Projection, Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), or Front Projector. Most digital TV sets are wider, but not as tall, as analog sets of the same diagonal screen size (Note that all TV sizes are measured diagonally across the screen). Most digital sets have an aspect ratio of 16x9, while analog sets have an aspect ratio of 4x3.
- Flat Panel TV Sets - Flat Panels are very thin (thin enough to hang on a wall) and relatively light weight. Flat panel LCDs and Plasmas are very thin and produce extremely clear pictures.
- Rear Projection TV Sets - Rear projections can be much larger than standard CRT sets. They create the image on a small display, but then enlarge it onto the back of the screen.
- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV Sets - These are traditional color television screens updated for digital. Their resolution and color capabilities vary from model to model. These screens have a very bright picture, but are limited in size, and the larger units are typically quite heavy.
- Front Projector TV Sets - Front Projectors are sets that create an image by projecting it onto a wall or standalone screen (much like a movie theater).
What are the Differences Between DTV/HDTV Sets and DTV/HDTV "Monitors"?
Integrated DTV sets and HDTV sets are televisions with a built-in digital tuner. DTV and HDTV monitors are simply display devices. This means that they are unable to receive digital broadcasts without additional equipment.
A DTV monitor is not capable of receiving digital broadcast programming without a digital or HD set-top box connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display over-the-air digital or HD programming.
A digital TV can also receive and process an HDTV signal, but the picture displayed will be of standard quality, not HD quality.
Will Stores Still Sell Analog TV Sets? If So, Are There Labeling Requirements?
Yes. Stores are permitted to continue to sell TV sets with analog tuners; however, these retailers are required to identify analog-only devices at the point-of-sale by prominently displaying a Consumer Alert label on or near the analog-only device.
By law, the import or interstate shipment of any TV device containing an analog tuner is now prohibited, unless it also contains a digital tuner.
CONSUMER ALERT
This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after June 12, 2009*, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.DTV.gov.
DTVs and digital television equipment will have one or more of the following labels. 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).
*Please note that Congress delayed the final DTV Transition until June 12, 2009.
What Is "Plug-and-Play" Compatibility?
Digital Cable Ready TV (DCR). The FCC’s “plug-and-play” rules ensure that most cable systems are compatible with DTV receivers and related consumer electronics equipment.
Analog auxiliary equipment will work on digital TV sets. Video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product.
Manufacturers produce a variety of connectors for hooking together existing analog equipment to use with digital TV sets. Check with your retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.
What Is High Definition TV (HDTV)?
HDTV is a digital broadcast format that provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. HDTV is a true widescreen format (16:9). “Digital cable” is not the same as HDTV, nor is it the same as HD programming on cable. Check with your cable provider to find out what kinds of programming you can receive and what equipment you need to receive it.
If you have HD programming on cable, but do not have an HDTV, your picture will not be in true high definition. Likewise, if you do not have HD programming on cable but you have an HDTV, your picture will not be in true high definition. 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
All DTV sets have labels or markings that may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV.”
If you cannot determine whether your TV set or other TV equipment contains a digital tuner by checking the label, contact your consumer electronics retailer or the manufacturer. This information also may be available online through the manufacturer’s website.
The Commission's digital tuner rule specifies that as of March 1, 2007, all new TV sets must include digital tuners. This rule prohibits the manufacture, import, or interstate shipment of any device containing an analog tuner, unless it also contains a digital tuner.
However, despite this prohibition on manufacture and shipment, retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory. As a result, at the point-of-sale, many consumers may not be aware that this equipment will not be able to receive over-the-air-television signals.
To address this issue, the FCC has adopted a rule requiring sellers to display the following text if they are selling TV equipment with an analog-only broadcast tuner:
CONSUMER ALERT
This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after June 12, 2009*, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.DTV.gov.
*Please note that Congress delayed the final DTV Transition until June 12, 2009.
Now That the DTV Transition Is Completed, Can I Still Use My Old Analog TV Set? How?
Even though the DTV Transition is now completed, your analog TV set is not obsolete. However, there are some steps you must take to be able to continue to use it. To ensure continued use of your analog set, you must do one of the following:
- Use a digital-to-analog converter box.
- Connect to a subscription service such as cable or satellite TV.
In addition, analog sets should continue to work with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products that you use now.
Now that the DTV Transition is completed, analog TV sets need additional equipment – a digital-to-analog converter box – to receive over-the-air television. Analog sets equipped with a converter box will display the digital broadcasts, but not in full digital quality.
This converter box, much like your cable box, will allow you to receive a picture, but it won't be able to show high-definition pictures or give you access to other digital services.
For more information on antennas, see the Antenna Guide.
Can I Recycle My Old Analog TV Set?
For those who choose to discard old analog TV sets or other old electronic equipment, there are recycling programs available. But remember -- you can continue to use your analog TV set!
One such program is myGreenElectronics. Through this program, you can learn about disposal options and locate recycling programs near you. Go to www.digitaltips.org/green/default.asp 
for more information.
What are portable, battery-powered televisions?
Portable, battery-powered televisions allow consumers to view local weather forecasts during electrical outages. Many people, especially those living in areas where weather emergencies are common, have obtained battery-powered televisions.
Now that the June 12, 2009 DTV Transition Is Completed, Can I still use my portable, battery-powered analog television to watch over-the-air broadcast television programming?
Yes. Portable, battery-powered analog televisions can receive over-the-air digital programming, as long as they are connected to a digital-to-analog converter box with a separate broadcast antenna. Additionally, the converter box must have a local utility power source or an alternative power source.
Do I need an antenna to connect my portable, battery-powered analog TV set to a digital-to-analog converter box?
Yes. A portable, battery-powered analog TV must have an “Antenna In (RF)” port so that it can be connected to a digital-to-analog converter box, and a separate antenna must be connected to the converter box so that an adequate digital signal can be received by the converter box.
What if the digital-to-analog converter box is not battery-powered?
If local utility power service is not available, another power source will be needed to supply power to the digital-to-analog converter box. There are several options available for consumers to supply back-up power to a digital-to-analog converter box. These external power sources include rechargeable battery packs, uninterruptible power supplies, car battery adapters, and small power generators. Additionally, there is at least one digital-to-analog converter box manufacturer that offers a separate battery pack for its digital-to-analog converter box. Consumers should check with local electronics stores and online retailers for further information on these devices.
Are there battery-powered digital-to-analog converter boxes?
Yes. Check on-line or with retailers who sell electronics or camping supplies to identify available models.
Are there portable, battery-powered digital TVs available?
Yes, battery-powered digital televisions are available and are marked with words such as “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-in,” “Digital Receiver,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV.” These televisions are available at electronics stores, and manufacturers are currently developing additional models. Check with your local electronics stores or online retailers for product availability. While the new battery-powered digital televisions currently are generally more expensive than the old battery-powered analog televisions, the market for battery-powered digital TVs is relatively new and is developing, and it is anticipated that prices will come down as more models are produced.
Can I Connect My Portable TV Set to a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box?
If you want to connect a portable, battery-powered analog TV set to a digital-to-analog converter box, it must have an “Antenna In” port in order to connect the converter box. The box must have a local utility power source or an alternative power source.
Another option for consumers is to obtain a battery-powered digital television. Battery-powered digital televisions are marked with words such as “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-in,” “Digital Receiver,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV.” Check with your local electronics stores or online retailers for product availability.
How do I connect my portable, battery-powered analog TV to a battery-powered digital-to-analog converter box?
The http://www.digitaltvtrainer.com/national/showme-battery-tv-converter website provides the following instructions on how to connect a portable, battery-powered analog TV to a battery-powered digital-to-analog converter box. Note that the instructions are manufacturer and model-specific.
- How to build a 12 volt power supply for a 12 volt converter
- How to build a simple 12 volt converter box power supply that has a plug just for the converter box
- How to build a simple 12 volt converter power supply wired to a car power accessory outlet
- How to build a power supply for converter boxes powered by 5 volts DC
- How to watch the battery TV with the converter box
- How to purchase a converter box and a matching battery power supply