Television stations around the U.S. will soon be changing their signals from analog to digital. This change will impact people that currently use an outdoor antenna or rabbit ears to pick up stations. It doesn't mean that you need to toss your existing T.V. or risk not being able to watch. Taking some simple steps today can make sure you keep up with your favorite shows.
What is DTV?
The transition from analog television signals to digital will be complete by March 2009. DTV (Digital Television) is “considered the most significant development in television technology since color television…” (The Digital TV Transition: A Brief Overview). Digital television will provide viewers with:
- Improved picture and sound quality
- Additional programming choices through multicasting
- Interactive video and data services
Digital-ready TVs are already in many households and digital signals are already being broadcast across the country. Older televisions accept only analog signals but February 2009 all television signals are required to be digital.
What Do Consumers Do with Their Existing Televisions?
People do not need to throw away their older television sets. An analog-to-digital converter box will be available. These converters will switch the digital signal back to analog to allow it to be viewed on your television set. It is easy to install and will be connected to your television set and either your outdoor antenna or rabbit ears. For people with either cable or satellite services, no converter box is necessary and you will not need to do anything to continue using your analog television, your television service will handle this for you.
Where and When Can Consumers Get a Converter Box?
Each analog television is your home will need a separate converter box. Digital converter boxes will begin to go on sale in February 2008 in many retail locations, including:
- Kmart
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Target
- Sears
- Circuit City
- Radio Shack
- Your local home electronics store
The boxes will retail for around $50.00 to $70.00 each.
How Do Consumers Get a Coupon to Purchase a Converter Box?
Each household in the United States can apply for coupons from the Federal Government to help defray the cost of the boxes. Coupons will be good for $40.00 each. The coupons cannot be combined together to purchase 1 converter box, but must be used to purchase 2 separate boxes.
Consumers are now able to apply for coupons, however, keep in mind they must be used within 90 days of issue. To apply for a coupon online, visit TV Converter Box Coupon Program or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) to request a coupon.
Consumers can find additional information on the transition from analog to digital television at DTV: Digital Television.
Sources
The Digital TV Transition: A Brief Overview, CRS Report for Congress, August 12, 2005.
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2007.
Eileen Bailey - Eileen Bailey is a freelance writer. She began her writing career almost 20 years ago writing marketing material and sales presentations. ...
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