D-Day has arrived!
Analog-to-Digital Conversion is the format conversion that is
mandated by the United States government to transition all major TV broadcasters from
an analog to a digital format. While some cities have already implemented the digital
conversion, most have not, and all major TV broadcasters must complete the conversion
by
February 17, 2009.
The conversion will have many consequences regarding your TV equipment and the signal
you receive. Some of the consequences will be good, in the form of better signal, but other
consequences will be bad, in the form of outdated equipment. Read this site to determine
how you will be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
Will my TV work after February 17, 2009?
A. It depends on the TV you have and the
source you use to feed that TV. TVs
sold in the United States come with at least 1 of 2 main types of tuners:
analog (also known as NTSC) or digital (also known as ATSC or HDTV). NTSC tuners receive
the analog signals that are being phased out, and ATSC tuners receive the digital signals
which will be the only signals present after February 17, 2009.
Generally, older TVs only have NTSC tuners and newer TVs have ATSC
tuners or both NTSC and ATSC tuners.
A TVs spec sheet should list its tuners.
TVs that use NTSC tuners and receive their signals from rabbit ear antennas or
roof top antennas will stop working after February 17, 2009.
or will need additional hardware to convert a digital signal to analog.
Q.
How expensive are digital converter boxes?
A. Digital converter boxes are $50-70, but there price can be
greatly reduced with a $40 government provided coupon.
Q.
How do I get a digital converter box coupon? How do I use
it? What are the rules regarding its use?
A. To get a digital converter box coupon, you can apply online or download an application
form from the
TV Converter Box Coupon Program website and have the coupon mailed to you.
The coupon can be used in most big name retailers at the time of purchase, or through
many online retailers.
To properly apply the coupon to a purchase, you must use the coupon with both an authorized
retailer and an authorized converter box model.
Visit
https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx
for a list of authorized dealers.
Visit
https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm
for a list of coupon eligible converter boxes.