You may have read or heard the way we watch television is making its first major change since the introduction of the color TV. It is going digital.


What is digital television? Why the switch?
Digital Television (DTV) is an innovative broadcast that provides movie quality pictures and sound, more channels and over-the-air high definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD sets. In 1996, the FCC laid out plans for a new era of broadcasting - digital television.  And under legislation passed by Congress - the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 - over the air broadcast stations are required to abandon their analog transmitters on February 17, 2009 and from then on broadcast only in a digital format. DTV will free up the airwaves so that the federal government can auction them off to new wireless services and turn some over to fire and police departments for emergency communication.

Who will be affected by the switch?
You will need to take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service or if you do not have a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. Second or third television sets in a household that are not connected to cable or satellite or do not have built-in digital tuners will be affected.  Nationally, some 19 million households with 70 million television sets receive only over-the-air television signals through antennas and rabbit ears and will be at risk of losing their signals unless they make the easy transition to DTV.

How do I switch to DTV?
You can make the switch to DTV by following one of these three easy steps before February 17, 2009.

• Purchase a certified DTV converter box that plugs into your existing TV set.  A converter box lets you continue to receive free television reception, and the boxes will be available for purchase in February 2008.  The federal government is providing $40 coupons that you may use toward the purchase of these boxes, which cost between $50 and $70.
• Purchase a new television set with a digital tuner.
• Subscribe to cable, satellite or other paid service.  Not all local stations are carried by all services.  Check with your provider.

What is a set top converter box?
A converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your old television set and over-the-air antenna or rabbit ears and converts the digital television signal into analog so that it can be viewed on your analog TV. 

When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?
You can apply for the converter box coupons now by calling 1-888-388-2009 or by visiting www.dtv2009.gov.  The coupons will be mailed beginning February 17, 2008.  Households will need to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt.

How do I know if I have an analog or digital TV set?
Take a look at the owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in digital tuner. 

What is high definition television?
Programs broadcast at the highest level of quality are referred to as High Definition or HDTV.  With up-to-date television sets, viewers will be able to receive high-quality, crystal clear pictures on their televisions, which will be displayed in a wide screen format with CD-quality surround sound.

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. HDTV is digital, but not all digital televisions are high-definition.  You must have a high-definition set to get true HDTV.

Do I have to buy a new television set? Will I be able to watch DTV on my old set?
You can continue to use your older television set. But you will need to purchase a separate converter box or subscribe to a paid service provider such as cable or satellite.  However, your older analog television set will not display digital programming with the clarity and quality of an up-to-date, digital set. To experience the full benefits of digital television, viewers may want to buy new digital television sets.  

How do I know what is on your digital channels?
Many television listings do not yet carry complete WMHT digital channel schedules. The most up-to-date schedule listings are available at www.wmht.org/tv/schedules.php.
Your new digital converter box or your digital set will display program titles and descriptive information on screen at the touch of a menu button.  You can also use the on-screen program guides provided by your cable and satellite service. If you are a member of WMHT, you will receive our monthly program guide that includes program grids for all of our channels.

PBS Digital Television
Mr. Rogers - Message About DTV
Assn of Public Television Stations
F.C.C.
HDTV defined