City of Topeka | Feb. 2009 Digital TV FAQ's

This information is presented by the Digital TV Transition group and by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)DTV Transition: (printer friendly)

This transition will happen by February 17, 2009
All full-power television stations must complete transition to digital broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. local time.
The date was set in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

Why is America Switching to Digital Television (DTV)?

Digital is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it will free up the airwaves for other services, such as public safety.
DTV also results in clearer pictures, more programming channels, and even free over-the-air high-definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets.

Who is Affected?

Millions of households that receive free over-the-air television through their own antennas will be affected by the transition to digital TV.

Who is not Affected?

Owners of any TV set that already has a digital (ATSC) tuner and/or is connected to cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider.

How can consumers accommodate the switch to DTV?

Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box in 2008, OR
Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner, OR
Subscribe to multi-channel video services from cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider. These providers will continue to provide service for older analog TVS.

The Federal Government’s Role

Congress appropriated $1.5 billion to fund a digital-to-analog converter box coupon program.
U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA is overseeing the program - IBM has been awarded the contract to manage the coupon program

Coupon Program

“Starting Jan. 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes.”(Source: NTIA press release, 3/12/07
If initial funds ($990 million) are used up, the Act permits funding to increase by $510 million…If the additional funds are needed, eligibility for those coupons will be limited exclusively to over-the-air households.”(Source: NTIA press release 3/12/07)

Digital-to-Analog Converter Boxes

Converter boxes that qualify for coupons are basic - cannot have DVD players, DVR capabilities,etc.
Qualified boxes could have smart antenna connections, remote control, allow for program guides, etc.
Three manufacturers have announced they will manufacture the boxes: LG Electronics, Samsung, and Thomson (RCA)
*Expected cost: $50-70 per box*(Source: Chicago Tribune 6/4/07)

Useful Web sites

DTV Transition Coalition Website: www.dtvtransition.org.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): www.dtv.gov.
NTIA (Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program) at www.ntia.doc.gov.