Nov 24, 2008 1:51 pm US/Mountain
Get The Information You Need To Know About DTV
DENVER (CBS) ―
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On Feb. 17, 2009, the FCC will require television stations to switch-off analog transmitters.
CBS
On Fev. 17, 2009, the Federal Government has mandated that all television stations switch from transmitting in an analog signal to transmitting in a digital signal.
The digital signal is a new type of broadcasting technology that will deliver movie-quality pictures and sound, more channels and even high definition television to consumers.
While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they make a few changes to receive the signal. We're going to help you get all the answers you need: DTV Digital television or DTV is an innovative new type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer picture and better sound quality DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional broadcast technology known as analog. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time. DTV technology can also be used to provide future interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology. One clearing house of information about the DTV transition is dtvanswers.com set up by the National Association of Broadcasters. Analog Television Analog television service is the traditional method of transmitting television signals. Analog transmission has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of TV. 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 makes a picture less clear. 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. The DTV transition will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress. Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990's, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Equipment If you currently receive free over-the-air television programming on an analog television set, you will need a DTV converter box to continue to receive television service after February 17, 2009. A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic devise 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. DTV converter boxes are available at most stores that sell electronics. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering up to two coupons valued at $40 each to every household. You can apply for your coupons by going to dtv2009.gov or you can call 1-888-DTV2009 (1-888-388-2009). You need to apply for your coupons by December 31, 2008. The coupons will expire within 90 days of the date they are mailed to you. Benefits of DTV DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. The switch to digital broadcasting will enable television stations to offer dramatically clearer pictures, better sound quality and more programming choices. Under legislation passed by Congress - the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 - over-the-air broadcast television stations are required to turn off their analog channels on February 17, 2009, and continue broadcasting exclusively in the digital format. Analog signals will be switched off at 11:59 on February 17th, 2009. Television stations have been preparing for this transition since the late 1990's, when they began building new facilities and airing digital channels alongside their regular analog broadcasts. Digital television allows TV stations to offer a number of new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures and sound quality, DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is called "multicasting." DTV can also be used to provide data services (such as significantly enhanced closed captioning or even wireless broadband) that are not possible with analog technology. TV's Affected Consumers who receive over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners - and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider - will be affected by the transition. At least 19.6 million households receive over-the-air signals exclusively in their homes, and 14.9 million households have secondary over-the-air television sets in their bedrooms or kitchens. Overall, nearly 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals on February 17, 2009, if consumers do not make the easy transition to DTV. Making the Switch Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting on analog sets will have three options for continuing their television service: - purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set; - purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; or - subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service. Cable Providers Serving Colorado Comcast CommuniComm Services Time Warner Cable U.S. Cable
Satellite Providers Serving Colorado
DirectTV Dish Network
Antenna Update
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. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit antennaweb.org
For information about recycling your old television or other electronics, visit mygreenelectronics.org
Additional Resources
FCC Info: Facts About Digital TV
FCC Info On DTV Education
First Quarter 2008
Second Quarter 2008
Third Quarter 2008
Video: Recycle Old Analog TVs Free At Goodwill
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