The Hows And Whys Of Digital Television

[Budlite74]

The conversion from analog television to digital television has left many viewers with questions and concerns. Here's answers to some of the major questions surrounding the February 2009 changeover.


When Does the Switch from Analog to Digital Broadcasting Happen?
The "Big Switch" from analog to digital broadcasting will be completed on February 17, 2009. The US Congress set this in motion, and television stations have been preparing for this change since the mid 1990s. That means we have plenty of time to get you up to speed on all the changes, and help simplify the complexities of the transition to DTV.


Where Can I Get a Converter Box and How Much Will it Cost?
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons (valued at $40 each) to US households to help defray the cost of the converter box. Your household will be able to apply for up to two coupons, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, and can't be used toward the purchase of other products. Consumers can download a coupon application at www.dtv2009.gov or call 888-388-2009. The hearing impaired can call 877-530-2634 for English or 866-495-1161 for Spanish. The applications may also be found in some stores and public libraries.


What is DTV?
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that will transform television as we now know it.By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" (like a computer), a digital broadcaster can carry more information than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology.For example, the technology allows the transmission of pictures with higher resolution for dramatically better picture and sound quality than currently available called High Definition Television (HDTV) or the transmission of several "standard definition" TV programs at once called "multicasting". "Standard definition"digital TV pictures would be similar in clarity and detail to the best TV pictures being received and displayed today using the current analog broadcast system and TV receivers. DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology.


What equipment do I need?
If you currently receive free over-the-air television programming on an analog television set, you will need a DTV converter box to continue to receive television service after February 17, 2009. DTV converter boxes will be available in early 2008. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will be issuing up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households in early 2008. Information about the DTV converter box coupon program is available at National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.


Will I need a new television set?
Your current television will work as it does now until analog broadcasting stops. Under federal law, analog service will continue until most homes (85%) in an area are able to watch the DTV programming. Even after the transition is over, your current TV will not become obsolete. A converter box can be used to receive broadcast DTV signals and change them into the format of your current television. In addition, if you use your analog set with a multichannel pay service like cable or satellite, it will continue to work as it always has. Even with a converter box, however, your current analog television will not be capable of displaying the full picture quality of DTV. To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set. Subscribers to cable and DBS services should contact their providers regarding converter boxes for those services.


Will I see a big difference between DTV and the current analog television?
Yes. Viewers cannot ignore the dramatic improvements offered by the DTV conversion. Visually, HDTV captures viewers with crystal clear resolution and razor sharp detail. Individual hairs, labels on footballs and the subtle effect of wind blowing through grass are all clearly visible through HDTV. Also, the detailed resolution and color provides an image akin to movie-theater screens. Combined with the capacity to deliver enhanced Dolby Digital surround sound, HDTV produces an advanced home theater effect. DTV provides viewers with sharper images, better sound, and more viewing options than have ever been available over the air.


Do I already have DTV?
You may have DTV if you subscribe to the digital package and get digital programming, often described as HDTV. But the digital cable tier and satellite service are not necessarily DTV. Your cable or satellite system may be using digital technology as a more efficient way of delivering analog programming to you. If you have an analog television set, then you are probably not getting DTV, even though the reception may be somewhat improved. Check with your cable or satellite provider to find out for sure.


What is analog TV?
The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress. Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990s, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 out of 1,762 full power television stations nationwide offer digital programming.


Why are we switching to DTV?
DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. For example, rather than being limited to providing one "analog" programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called "multicasting". The number of programs a station can send on one digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology.
Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves. Those portions of the airwaves can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services (for example, police, fire departments, and rescue squads).


Do I need a special antenna to receive an over-the-air DTV signal?
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 now need a roof-top antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV.


What do DTV sets look like and do they cost more?
Most DTV sets have wider, more rectangular screens than current analog TVs. This widescreen format allows for images that are more like those shown in a movie theater. Like current TV sets, a range of sizes is available.
As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction. Prices are expected to continue to decrease over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features. For more information see the chart on.
Copyright 2008 by KTVU.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[smitty4]

That reminds me...I sent in for the coupons a while back and I still have not received them. I will have to check into it.

Thanks!