Top 7 DTV Questions

By Tom Crabtree
Anchor
Published: July 7, 2008

It's now seven months away and counting.

February 17, 2009 is when television stations stop broadcasting in analog and go digital.

We know many of you still have questions about what you need to do to make sure you still have a tv picture when the big change happens, so we're answering the top 7 questions about DTV.

Question 7: What difference will you notice in your TV's picture and sound with digital TV?

Picture and sound quality are both much better with digital TV. But you can't take advantage of it unless you have a TV that is equipped with a digital tuner. That's one reason you may choose to buy a new TV.

Question 6: Do all televisions sold in stores now have digital tuners?

The answer: most, but not necessarily all, new TV's in stores now will have a digital tuner. Stores can continue to sell their existing inventory of the old-style analog-only TV's, but those TV's must be clearly marked as analog-only and requiring a converter box. Ask the store whether the TV you want to buy has a digital tuner.

Question 5: What is a converter box, and what does it do?

If you get your tv signal via rabbit ears or an outdoor antenna, and you want to keep using your old TV set, you'll need a converter box. It's easy to hook up. It'll change the new digital signal back to analog so your old TV can see it. Converter boxes are sold at electronics stores and other places that sell tv's. Expect a price tag of between 50 and 75 dollars.

Question 4: Will you need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?

In general, the antenna you use currently to get your TV signal should work fine with DTV.

Question 3: How will DTV affect your cable or satellite service?

IInitially there will probably be no change in your cable service, and your satellite service is digital already. The day may come when your cable provider decides to change some or all of its channels to digital. In that case, you would need a set-top box to either rent or buy, and it's different from a converter box. Check with your provider for complete details.

Question 2: Will you have to get rid of your old TV?

The answer is no, you don't have to get rid of your old TV. Your analog TV should be just fine as long as you have a converter box. Your cable and satellite service should work just fine too. So should your DVD player, your VCR and your gaming consoles.

Question 1: When can you get a coupon for a DTV converter box?

The coupons are available now. Each household can apply for as many as two coupons. Each coupon is worth forty dollars. The coupon has an expiration date. You have three months to redeem it.

There are two ways to apply for DTV coupons.

To apply on-line, use the web address www.dtv2009.gov.

To apply by phone, call 1-888-dtv-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

Some people report having trouble finding converter boxes in-stock, so you may wish to start checking with local stores as soon as your coupons arrive.

 

By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009. DTV is an innovative new type of broadcasting technology that delivers movie-quality pictures and sound and more channels to consumers. While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take the easy steps to receive a digital signal. Learn how to prepare for DTV FCC Form 388