Digital TV on Its Way - Prepare for the Switch to Get the Picture
Big changes are coming in television broadcasting. On February 17, 2009, all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and continue broadcasting in digital only. This is known as the DTV transition.
Some consumers are asking why they need to switch. First, all-digital broadcasting will give needed communications channels to police, fire and emergency rescue personnel. It will also allow for new wireless services for consumers. In addition, since digital is more efficient than analog, it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time, instead of just one program with analog. This means broadcasters can offer consumers more choices. Digital also allows broadcasters to offer improved picture and sound quality, including high definition (HDTV) programming.
Clear Creek Cable Television Subscribers Are Ready For The DTV Transition!
Every TV set that is connected to cable television service from Clear Creek Telephone & TeleVision will continue to receive broadcast television signals after the transition, you don't have to worry. We'll take care of everything and you won't have to make any changes. It's that simple.
Analog TVs Will Need Additional Equipment to Receive Over-the-air Television When the DTV Transition Ends
Consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on analog TVs. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality.
Converter Box Coupon Program
It is also important to know that the end of analog broadcasting does not mean that consumers must purchase new TVs, and you certainly don’t need an HDTV to watch digital broadcasts. If you currently receive over-the-air programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, either through “rabbit ears� on your set or an antenna on your roof, you will only need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue watching broadcast television on that set after February 17, 2009. These boxes will cost approximately $40 to $70, and are available in stores now.
Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program. More information can be found at www.dtv2009.gov.
If you watch over-the-air programming on a DTV (a TV with a built-in digital tuner), you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box. Also, an antenna you use to receive analog broadcasts should work for receiving digital broadcasts, both on a DTV and on an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box.
For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit their DTV Web site at www.dtv.gov.