Digital

When The Transition Will Happen

Due to an unfunded federal mandate, U.S. television stations will be required by law to turn off their analog channels and broadcast exclusively in the new digital format (DTV) effective February 17, 2009. Current WOSU TV reception will continue without interruption until that date.

Cable and Satellite:
If you use your analog set with a multi-channel pay service such as satellite (DirecTV or DISH Network) or cable (Time Warner, Insight, or Wide Open West), you will continue to get local stations. The only exception would be if your cable/satellite service would go down for a period of time. The only way to be certain your reception is never interrupted is to purchase a digital converter box.

Antenna:
If you receive over-the-air programming by rabbit ears or another type of indoor or outdoor antenna and want to continue using your antenna, you will need either a digital television set or a digital converter box connected to each analog television set you use.

TVs with digital tuners:
If you have a television set with a digital tuner, your television reception will continue uninterrupted. So, if you haven’t switched to digital yet, and you receive over-the-air television by rabbit ears or other type of indoor or outdoor antenna, you’ll need either a digital TV or a digital converter box connected to each analog television set you use so that you can continue to receive WOSU and other channels after February 17, 2009.

Not sure if you have a digital or analog television set?
If your television is several years old, chances are it’s not digital. If in doubt, check the owner’s manual to see if it mentions a digital tuner or look on the set to for an indication of an ATSC or QAM tuner. If your set has one, your set can process the digital signal and you’ve already made the switch. If there is no mention of digital, ATSC, or QAM, then you have an analog set and will need to either purchase a digital television set or digital converter box. Consumers should be aware that not all new televisions being sold include digital tuners.

What is a digital converter box?
Also called a “set-top” box, it’s an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna and converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV. Consumers should be aware that even with a converter box, analog televisions are not capable of displaying the full picture quality of digital television. The picture will be better, just not of quality of digital or high definition.

How Much It Will Cost

Where, when, and how do you get a converter box?
Currently, these boxes are available from electronics retainers in stores and online and cost approximately $50 to $75 each. From now through March 2009, all U.S. households may request up to two coupons worth $40 each to use toward the purchase of up to two converter boxes (one coupon per box). Only certain boxes are coupon-eligible though. Recently, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has certified 250 retail outlets where you can purchase these boxes with your coupon including Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Sears, Circuit City, RadioShack, and Kmart, to name a few.

What You Need To Know And Do

To receive your coupons, you must do one of two things; either apply for the coupons online at www.mydtv2009.gov or call (888) 388-2009. The coupon program runs now through March 2009 but the number of coupons may be limited so individuals should apply as soon as possible. All coupons will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service.

What about existing VCR and DVD players—will they still work?
VCRs, DVD players, camcorders and video games will continue to work, even if they are only analog-capable. Such equipment, however, may not provide digital-quality picture and sound. Check with your equipment retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment. If you’re recording from high-definition digital, the result will only be in standard definition.

Thinking of buying a new television?
Prices vary depending on the many features and options available to consumers, including format, display technology, and screen size. If you want to upgrade to a new set, you’ll need to choose between digital television (DTV) and high-definition (HDTV) sets. HDTV displays the absolute highest quality digital TV picture available and includes Dolby digital surround sound, which offers a superior sound experience as well.

Should you have any questions about this transition, please visit any of the online resources listed below:

PBS's guide to digital offerings
Questions and answers to DTV
The FCC's web site devoted to DTV issues
Take an online quiz about DTV
Government site where users can order coupons for converter boxes
Home page for National Telecommunications and Information Administration
On overview of the technical issues behind DTV

Download a DTV one-page guide (PDF)
Download a DTV one-page guide ( PDF - en espanol)

Download a DTV Tip Sheet, which includes terminology (PDF)
Download a DTV Tip Sheet, which includes terminology (PDF - en espanol)

Read GM Tom Rieland's article about the patron saint of TV and the DTV transition (PDF)