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Analog to Digital Conversion:
What It Means to You and Your Television

 

 
How does the conversion affect my TV?

What if I get my TV from a rural translator?
How do I know if I own a digital television?

Is DTV the same as HTDV?
What if my TV is not digital-ready?
Things to consider before you buy
For More Information
Acronyms
 
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The U.S. Congress has mandated that all television broadcasting companies convert from the current analog signal to a digital signal by February 17, 2009. After February 17, 2009, all television broadcasting will be in digital format only.
 
 How does the conversion affect my TV?

If you currently receive your television broadcasting through a cable or satellite provider, you should not be affected by the analog-to-digital conversion. To ensure you have uninterrupted service, contact your cable/satellite provider to ask if you need any additional equipment. Some cable/satellite providers charge extra or do not provide local channel access. To access local channels, you may need additional equipment if these channels are not included in your cable/satellite plan.


If you receive your television broadcasting through an antenna (either rabbit ears or an antenna mounted on your home), you may be affected by the analog to digital conversion. After February 17, 2009, you will not receive a signal if your TV does not have a digital signal converter.

 
 What if I get my TV from a rural translator?
The federal mandate does not include rural translators or low-power television transmitters, although operators of these systems may voluntarily switch to digital if they choose. For the foreseeable future, you will not be affected, and you will not have to change any of your current equipment.
 
 How do I know if I own a digital television?

If a unit is DTV-compatible, no interruption of service will occur after February 17, 2009. DTVs with a built-in receiver may have labels or markings indicating "Integrated Digital Tuner" or "Digital Tuner Built-In." "Receiver" may be substituted for "Tuner," and "DTV," "ATSC," or "HDTV" may be substituted for "Digital." If your television equipment contains any of these labels or markings, you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box.


If your television is labeled as a "Digital Monitor" or "HDTV Monitor," or as "Digital Ready" or "HDTV Ready," this does not mean it actually contains a digital tuner. You still will need a separate tuner box to view programs in the new digital TV transmission format (which includes HDTV formats). If you are not sure, consult your TV owner's manual or check your equipment for the manufacturer name and model number, and then contact your consumer electronics retailer or the manufacturer/ manufacturer's Website, or do an internet search using the manufacturer brand name and model number to determine whether your TV is a DTV.

 

 Is DTV the same as HDTV?
DTV does not mean HDTV. The two terms are not interchangeable. While HDTV is
"digital," it is a unique and different TV format. HDTV requires its own unique "High Definition Television" equipment from production studio to broadcast station, from transmitter to in-home receiver. All components must be HDTV-capable and compatible. As used in the general sense, digital TV refers to "Standard Definition (Digital) TV."
 
 What if my TV is not digital-ready?

Several options are available if your TV is not a DTV.

  • The least costly option is to purchase a digital to analog converter. Costs for these converters range from $50 - $70. Government-issued vouchers for $40 are available to help offset the cost. Currently, vouchers are limited to two per household. Click here to access information on the vouchers. Remember, each TV that is not a DTV will need a converter to receive a digital broadcast signal after February 17, 2009.
  • Another option is to buy a DVD recorder, VCR, or DVR with a built-in ATSC digital tuner. These devices will let you watch local digital channels on an analog TV. If you are looking to purchase one of these units, ask the salesperson if the model has a built-in digital tuner.
  • Subscribe to a satellite/cable service. In some areas, cable/satellite companies do not provide local television channels, or the companies may charge extra to receive local stations. If you currently pick up local stations using an antenna, you may need a converter box to continue to view these channels.
  • Purchase a DTV. Be sure to ask the salesperson if the TV you are purchasing has a built-in digital receiver.
 
 Things to consider before you buy a DTV
  • Do you really need to spend the money on a DTV? Or could you get along just fine with a converter?
  • Perhaps consider buying one DTV and converters for other TVs in your household.
  • Use your old TV for video games and/or DVD/VCR viewing. You won’t be able to watch broadcast networks, but your other entertainment equipment will not be affected by the conversion.
  • Give/sell non-DTVs at reduced cost to family/friends that have cable/satellite.
  • When shopping for new DTV, ask the salesperson if the store will recycle your old TV.
  • Contact your current TV manufacturer to see if it offers a take-back program.
  • Contact local charities to see if they accept TVs. Many local charities may become inundated with TVs and may not accept additional units. Call the charity before dropping off your TV.
  • Contact your local landfill, transfer station, or garbage hauler about any household hazardous waste/electronic waste collection activities offered in your area and/or proper disposal procedures.
 
 For More Information
Federal Communications Website: The Digital TV Transition: What You Need to Know About DTV

Federal Communications Website: DTV is Coming (and Sooner Than You Think!)

U.S. Department of Commerce Website: TV Converter Box Coupon Program

Digital TV Facts Website
 
 Acronyms
ATSC: Advanced Television Systems Committee
DTV:   Digital Television
DVD:   Digital Video Disk
DVR:   Digital Video Recorder
HDTV: High Definition Television
VCR:   Video Cassette Recorder
 

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