On February 18, 2009, all television broadcasts in the U.S. will be digital instead of analog by order of congress and the Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.). The reason for this conversion to DTV is to 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). Also, 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.
However, every silver-lining has it's cloud (technologically speaking). If you still have an analog television that is receiving local broadcasts over-the-air, it will not be able to receive any of these broadcasts after this date at the latest. Do not despair, there are 2 possible options that can breathe new life into your old television.
The obvious first one is to join a cable or satellite television service. Their equipment already is converting their signals for your television and will not be affected by this change.
For those who still do not want to join a pay service, the second option is to purchase a converter box. These converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $80 and with a government provided $40 coupon to offset their cost. I have already applied to receive my two coupons (each household is limited to two) and am happy to relate that the process is simple and painless. All you need to do is call 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV 2009) and follow the voice prompts. The whole process for me took every bit of three minutes and all they ask for is your first and last name, mailing address, how many coupons you need (up to two) and if any of the televisions are using satellite or cable services.
For more information, please visit the links below. Change can be scary, but knowledge can make this conversion easy and cheap.
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The Official DTV Conversion Information Page
More Information From the F.C.C.
Monday, January 7, 2008
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