DTV Transition - Frequently Asked Questions

General DTV Transition Information

What is DTV and how will it enhance your viewing experience?

Digital television enables television stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality. By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" like a computer, DTV technology can also be used for interactive video and data services, such as enhanced closed-captioning, that are not possible with traditional analog technology.

For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously through “multicasting,” instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time. Digital technology also enables television stations to provide free, over-the-air high-definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets.

Another benefit of DTV is that it will free up scarce and variable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services. Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.

Why the switch? Background on the DTV transition

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. 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.

Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Analog television transmission has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Analog is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital, and TV stations can only transmit one channel of programming with an analog signal versus up to four or more programs with a digital signal in the same amount of spectrum. Analog is also susceptible to interference and “snow” that make a picture less clear.

What are my options so I can watch TV after February 17, 2009?

Analog television sets using an antenna for free, over-the-air broadcasting will not work after February 17, 2009. If you have a television that is not connected to a pay TV service (such as cable or satellite), you will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure your TV set continues to work.

Consumers have these options for watching television after February 17, 2009:

• Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009. It is expected to cost between $50 and $70 and be available in early 2008, OR
• Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, OR
• Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick quiz at www.DTVTransition.org to help you figure out what to do.

What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. U.S. households may obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. More information is available here https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

I’m a cable customer. Will I be affected by the transition?

TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not require a TV converter box from this program. Cable and satellite subscribers should check with their providers before February 17, 2009, to see how they are handling the transition.

Do I need a special antenna to receive digital television (DTV) over-the-air?

With a good indoor or outdoor antenna, you will maximize your DTV reception. In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of antenna that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals.

However, after February 17, 2009 some television stations will be moving to a different channel in a different frequency band that may require a different antenna type from the one you may now have. For example, some channels in the “VHF band” (Channels 2-13) may be moving to the “UHF band” (Channels 14-51) and vice versa. Receiving VHF and UHF signals require different antenna types, although some antennas are designed to receive both VHF and UHF signals.

The good news is that there’s a Web site that can tell you what antenna you need in any part of the country – just by typing in your address and zip code. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

I live in a community with translator and low-power television service.
     Will I be affected by the transition?

Translator and low-power television stations are not required to go all-digital after February 17, 2009. As these stations go digital, consumers will need to take action to continue to receive their free TV with an antenna and may want to consider applying for TV converter box coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, because after that date, coupons will no longer be available. Viewers of these broadcast stations should contact their station for details.

NHPTV converted the Hanover translator to digital in June 2007. The Pittsburg translator conversion is funded but a timetable for the conversion has not yet been set.

How do I know if I have an analog or digital TV?

What you need to know is whether your TV set has something called a “digital tuner” already built in. If it does, your TV set will work after February 17, 2009. The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If that’s not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close look at your TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).

Here are some general guidelines:

• TV sets made before 1998 were traditional “analog” sets. If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-in digital tuner inside. But chances aren’t great. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.
• If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold at popular electronics stores feature digital tuners that will work after February 17, 2009. But it’s not a sure thing. Even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts. Usually these sets have been advertised as “HD-ready” or “HDTV monitor” sets. That means they can display digital and high-definition signals, but they need help getting those signals in the first place. You’ll still need a special converter or a cable TV connection.

If I get a new TV, can I recycle my old TV?

Yes. For more information about how to recycle your television and other electronics, visit mygreenelectronics.com.

I live in Coos County / Carroll County / Maine. I subscribe to DIRECT TV / DISH (Echostar) and it does not carry NHPTV Channel 11. What can be done so we can watch?

Unfortunately, we have no control over this satellite television coverage. Under current federal regulations, satellite companies are not allowed to rebroadcast PBS stations in Nielsen Designated Market Areas (DMAs) unless that PBS station has a full-power transmitter located in that DMA. Coos and Carroll counties are located in the Portland DMA and, since NHPTV’s Pittsburg translator is not a “full power” transmitter, the satellite companies are not allowed to retransmit our signal. The current regulation is due to be reauthorized next year. NHPTV will be working closely with our Congressional delegation to ensure that the language is revised to allow our signal to be carried all around the state.

You might want to see if anyone in your area has a rooftop antenna and is able to receive Channel 11 off-air, which would allow you to watch us. This may not work, but we hear many viewers receive us this way.

We are also working on the possibility of getting a transmitter atop Mount Washington, which would enable our signal to reach throughout this area and satisfy the requirement to have a full-power transmitter in the Portland DMA. However, this request will have a lengthy regulatory approval process.

About TV Converter Boxes

What is a TV converter box?

A TV converter box is a new product that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box.

Can I start using my TV converter box now or do I need to wait until after February 17, 2009?

Consumers can begin enjoying the benefits of digital television today. Because most full-power stations are currently broadcasting both in digital and analog, viewers can plug in their converter boxes and generally receive a clearer picture and “multicast” channels, where they are available.

How big is the converter box?

Converter boxes are about the size of a paperback book. Most will fit on top of a small to medium TV set.

What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. U.S. households may obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

How do I get my coupons?

Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household (these will be mailed) by doing one of the following:

• Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
• Apply online https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx
• Download a Coupon Application here (PDF) https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf
• Mail coupon application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
• Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

The contact center and website can help answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues.

When can I buy a TV converter box?

TV converter boxes are expected to be available in early 2008 at retailers where you would normally buy consumer electronics products. Before shopping for your converter box, you might want to call ahead to make sure retailers have converter boxes available.

How much do I have to pay for a TV converter box?

TV converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70. The Federal Government permits each U.S. household up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of the converter box. After applying the coupon, participating retailers will charge consumers the remaining balance of between $10 and $30.

Where can I use my coupons?

When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby participating retailers. You can expect to buy TV converter boxes and use your coupons at retail stores where you would normally buy consumer electronics products.

How do I install a TV converter box?

Converter boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front, depending on your TV. You will still need your antenna, which works with the TV converter box. Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box using the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Does someone have to come into my home to install the converter box?

No, you should be able to install the converter box yourself using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline or ask your retailer. The NTIA program does not provide technical support.

If I install a converter box, will I still need an antenna to receive programming?

Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air programming, you will still need it after you install a converter box. In some cases, TV viewers may need a new antenna. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

Will I receive Closed Captioning through a converter?

Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to provide Closed Captioning for display on your television.

Do I need to purchase a TV converter box that is the same brand as my TV?

No.

I have a handheld or battery-powered TV. Will this work after February 17, 2009? Can I connect it to a TV converter box?

Generally not.

Will my VCR or DVD player still work once I plug my converter box into my TV?

The analog equipment you currently use will continue to work with (output to) your analog TV set just as before, but they will not be able to receive over-the-air programming without the TV converter box. Attach the converter to your VCR, TiVo, DVD-R, etc. instead of hooking it directly to your TV.

Will I receive High-Definition TV with a converter box?

No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying High-Definition resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a TV converter box. If you want to view High-Definition TV, then you will need one of the newer sets rated for “High-Definition” resolution.

Obtaining a Converter Box Coupon

When can I apply for my coupons?

You can apply for a coupon between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, while supplies last.

How long are coupons active?

Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it.

How do I get my coupons?

Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household (these will be mailed) by doing one of the following:

• Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
• Apply online https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx
• Download a Coupon Application here (PDF) https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf
• Mail coupon application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
• Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

The contact center and website can help answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues.

Are coupon applications available any place else such as the library or grocery store?

NTIA is working with its partners to make applications available in the places where it makes the most sense for each community. Some retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009, or, apply online. If you don’t have a computer, your local library probably has computer terminals for public use.

When will I get my coupons?

Consumers who apply at the beginning of 2008 will receive their coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail stores, probably in late February or early March.

What will the TV converter box coupon look like?

Coupons will look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely in the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons will carry no stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.

Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?

Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.

How many coupons can I request?

Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.

What information do I need to provide the government to request my coupons?

The TV converter box coupon application requires that you provide your name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two) and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service. Your personal information is protected under privacy laws and will not be sold or used for other purposes other than administering the NTIA Coupon Program.

Can I use my coupon to purchase other consumer electronics products, such as DVD recorders or televisions?

No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be used only for purchases of coupon-eligible converter boxes.

Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a TV converter box I’ve already purchased?

No. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.