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From the Aging Services Network, DSS, regarding the big change in television on February 17, 2009. Can we place the info on our website?
Television will change dramatically on February 17, 2009, when the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television(DTV) broadcasting is complete. And while consumers have much to gain – including the crystal clear pictures and sound of digital – millions of households that rely on free, over-the-air broadcast signals risk losing television reception unless they take steps to upgrade.
By law, legislation passed by Congress, in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, all American television stations must switch their broadcasting by February 17, 2009, and continue broadcasting exclusively in the digital format. Television sets connected to cable or satellite will not be affected, and will continue to receive programming after that date. But those analog television sets not connected to cable or satellite, or without a DTV converter box, will not receive any television signal after the date of the switch, February 17, 2009.
Approximately 78,710 households in Connecticut will be directly impacted by the transition, and could unexpectedly lose free television reception in February 2009, if those households do not take steps to upgrade. Those most disproportionately affected by the DTV transition will be older Americans.
Digital Television (DTV) is an innovative new type of broadcasting technology that will transform television viewing. DTV enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality. DTV can also offer multiple programming choices, interactive capabilities and data services such as significantly enhanced closed captioning. DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of programming at once. This is known as “multicasting.”
How can an individual switch to DTV?
1. DTV converter box: Purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into your existing analog set. A converter box will enable a viewer to receive free television reception, and the boxes will be available for purchase in early 2008. At that time, the federal government will provide $40 coupons that viewers may use toward the purchase the DTV converter box. Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. Go to www.ntia.doc.gov for more information.
2. New television set: Purchase a new television set with a built–in digital tuner.
3. Paid service: Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider to continue using your analog TV set, if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
How does someone know if they have an analog or digital television set?
To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer’s Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.
Is HDTV the same thing as DTV?
No. HDTV is the highest quality of DTV, but it is only one of several formats. In addition to HDTV, the most common format is Standard Definition Television (SDTV). Consumers who have high definition TV sets may receive free high definition television programming over the air using an antenna.
Will a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air be needed?
In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. If you currently need a roof-top antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has launched an aggressive consumer education campaign to help consumers learn more about making the transition to digital TV. The DTV answers.com Web site is the most comprehensive and consumer-friendly DTV site currently available, providing visitors with a variety of helpful resources.
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