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Things you should know For more details and links to additional information, see the FAQ below. Legislation recently passed by Congress lays out plans for the transition from traditional analog TV broadcasting to a new type of broadcasting technology, known as Digital Television or DTV. By February 17, 2009, broadcasters will be required to convert all of their programming to DTV and will no longer broadcast analog signals. As a result, to receive TV programming, some consumers will need to make changes in some of the equipment they currently use. It's important to understand that this change applies only to over-the-air television broadcasting. If you receive most or all of your current TV programming via cable or satellite services, you won't be required to make equipment changes. However, since DTV offers a dramatically improved viewing experience, even cable and satellite subscribers should consider upgrading their present equipment to enjoy all the benefits of this new technology. If you're currently using an analog TV set with an antenna to receive over-the-air programming, don't be alarmed. A simple set-top box will be all you need to convert digital broadcast signals into a format your TV can display. However, your analog television will not deliver the video and audio performance improvements made possible by DTV. If you decide to upgrade to DTV, be aware there is a difference between DTV and High-Definition TV (HDTV). Not all digital TVs are High-Definition TVs. HDTV refers only to the highest-quality forms of digital broadcast. Some lower-priced digital TVs can receive all types of DTV programming, but are unable to display high-definition signals in their full glory. Why is the FCC switching to Digital Television (DTV)? What is Over-The-Air (OTA) programming? What is High-Definition TV (HDTV)? What's the difference between an HDTV and an HD-Ready TV or HD Monitor? When will the DTV transition be complete? Will I need a new TV? Will a converter box allow me to see the benefits of digital TV on my analog set? How will I know if my specific TV model will be affected? I now subscribe to cable or satellite. Do I need to be concerned about an end to free, over-the-air analog broadcasts? What does this mean for me if I am shopping for a new TV? Where can I find more information about the DTV transition and HDTV? Q: Why is the FCC switching to digital TV (DTV)? A: There are two primary reasons: improved public safety, and the ability to deliver enhanced technology services to the public with greater efficiency. The conversion to DTV will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless (cellular) and public safety services (police, fire departments, rescue squads, etc.) DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the traditional analog broadcast technology that has been in use since the early days of television. It provides enhanced signal quality and reliability, and offers consumers an improved viewing experience and greater programming variety. For example, rather than being limited to providing just one analog-quality program per assigned frequency, a broadcaster will be able to provide either a super-sharp "high-definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard-definition" (SDTV) programs simultaneously. The number of programs a station can send on one assigned digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream. DTV can also support interactive video and data services that easily surpass those available via analog technology. Back to top Q: What is Over-The-Air (OTA) Programming? A: "Over-the-air" refers to programming broadcast via the public airwaves. In layman's terms, it means any program you currently watch by means of an antenna (as opposed to a cable system or satellite dish). This may include affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, PBS and independent local broadcasters. The new broadcasting legislation applies only to content received directly via over-the-air sources. Network and local channels provided via your cable or satellite operator will not be affected. Back to top Q: What is High-Definition TV (HDTV)? A: Contrary to a popular misconception, DTV is not synonymous with high-definition television. HDTV is the classification applied only to the highest-quality formats defined under the DTV standard, and achieves dramatic performance improvements over analog TV. The picture is up to six times sharper, with greater detail, more accurate colors and none of the interference (ghosting, snow) common to analog TV reception. An HDTV image is also 33% wider, relative to its height, providing a sweeping, more cinematic viewing experience. Sound is dramatically improved as well; HDTV programming is broadcast in up to 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio, offering fidelity and surround capabilities that far surpass those of traditional TV. Not all digitally broadcast television signals are high-definition — and it's equally important to recognize that not all digital TVs can display HDTV signals at full quality. Some lower-priced digital TVs, classified as standard-definition (SDTV) or enhanced-definition (EDTV), may be able to receive all types of digital broadcasts, but can only display them with reduced clarity. With these TVs, the improvement over analog TV performance is still noticeable, but less dramatic than with a true HD display. For more information on HDTV, see our HDTV & Home Theater Education Center, provided by our trusted partners at CNET.com. Back to top Q: What's the difference between an HDTV and an HD-Ready TV or HD Monitor? A: Currently, not all new sets — and not even all HD-capable TVs — include digital reception capabilities. Many sets currently on the market are what's known as "HD-Ready TVs" or "HDTV Monitors." These terms are interchangeable; a TV by either label is capable of high-definition display, but requires an HDTV source (an ATSC set-top receiver, or a cable or satellite box that is capable of high-definition output) to achieve true HDTV performance. Such HD-Ready TVs typically include a traditional analog (NTSC) tuner for the reception of standard analog broadcasts. By law, as the cutoff date for analog programming nears, more and more new TVs will incorporate digital over-the-air (also known as ATSC) tuners. Eventually, all new sets sold in the U.S. will incorporate built-in ATSC reception capability, and manufacturers will stop producing TVs with analog tuners altogether. Back to top Q: When will the DTV transition be complete? A: Television stations serving most markets in the U.S. are already airing digital television programming, although they still must provide analog programming until the February 17, 2009 date set by Congress for the completion of the transition to DTV. At that time, broadcasting on the current (analog) channels will end and most of that spectrum will be put to other uses. Until the transition to DTV is complete, television stations will continue broadcasting on both their digital and analog channels. Back to top Q: Will I need a new TV? A: No, but if you own an analog TV and rely on an antenna to pull in some or all of your TV signals, you will need to make adjustments. After the transition to DTV is complete, a converter box will be required to receive DTV signals and change them into an analog format that your current TV can display. You will be unable to view TV broadcasts on your analog TV without the addition of a converter box, which should be widely available in retail stores at that time. Back to top Q: Will a converter box allow me to see the benefits of digital TV on my analog set? A: Even with a converter, your current analog television will not display the full picture quality of DTV. The main reason is display resolution. Analog TV screens aren't designed to reproduce the level of picture detail contained in most DTV signals and fall far short of the resolution necessary to accurately display HDTV programming. To enjoy the improved quality of DTV, you must have a DTV set. Furthermore, to reap the full benefits of true HDTV programming, you must have a digital TV with a display that is capable of true HDTV resolution. The FCC has begun requiring (on a phased-in basis) that new television receivers include the capability to receive digital TV signals. However, if you want to experience HDTV, be sure that the digital TV you buy can display as well as receive the highest-quality DTV signals. Subscribers to cable and satellite TV services should contact their providers or local retailers to inquire about converters for these services, which will typically be supplied by the provider. Back to top Q: How will I know if my specific TV model will be affected? A: If you purchased your current TV before 1998, it almost certainly will require the addition of a converter box to receive and display DTV signals. Beginning in about 1998, TVs featuring built-in DTV reception capability have been sold as "HD Built In" or advertised as having an "integrated HDTV tuner" or "ATSC tuner." A very limited number of such sets — mostly projection TVs with screens measuring 42" diagonal or larger — were produced and sold from 1998-2004. Beginning in 2004, there has been a sharp increase in the number of digital-tuner equipped TVs introduced to the marketplace. These TVs will not be affected by the pending changes. Any set sold under the classifications "HD-Ready" or "HDTV Monitor" is capable of displaying HDTV content, but does not include a built-in ATSC tuner to receive digital TV signals. These sets require the addition of an HD source (ATSC over-the-air receiver with antenna, or a cable or satellite receiver that is capable of high-definition output) to deliver a true HDTV picture. Sets sold as "EDTV" or "SDTV" may have the capacity to receive HDTV signals, but can only display such content at a reduced resolution. Recently, the FCC has begun requiring (on a phased-in basis) that larger TVs with analog tuners also be marketed with built-in or separate ATSC tuners. Smaller TVs will follow in later phases. So the newer your TV, the better the chance you won't be affected. Back to top Q: I now subscribe to cable or satellite. Do I need to be concerned about an end to free, over-the-air analog broadcasts? A: You probably won't notice much of a change for those TVs hooked up to your cable or satellite service. Cable operators pick up most local broadcasts at a central location and send them to homes over cable; an increasing number of satellite providers are doing the same. It is likely that they will continue to provide whatever free local broadcast programming they currently provide to you, regardless of the broadcasters' means of transmission. However, if you have TVs in your home that are not hooked up to your cable or satellite service and rely on an antenna to receive conventional broadcasts, you'll need to add converter boxes to continue watching those TVs after the February 2009 analog broadcasting cutoff. Even if all TVs in your home are connected to cable or satellite services, you may be missing some opportunities. As more and more programming is provided in high-definition form (assuming your provider passes it on to you in that form), you may wish to consider upgrading your TV to take advantage of the picture improvements made possible by DTV. Back to top Q: What does this mean for me if I am shopping for a new TV? A: For over-the-air reception using an antenna If you plan to purchase a new TV that will rely on a rooftop or indoor antenna, you may want to consider models with an integrated (built-in) HDTV or DTV tuner (also known as an ATSC tuner) as well as an analog (NTSC) tuner. Most big-screen sets (36" and larger) already include an integrated ATSC tuner, and beginning this spring, most new TVs 26" and larger will include it. According to the FCC's phase-in schedule, beginning in 2007 and going forward, all new TVs manufactured for the U.S. market will be required to incorporate an integrated ATSC tuner. In the meantime, however, you can still feel comfortable buying a TV that is capable of displaying both analog and digital content, but requires the addition of an outboard ATSC tuner to receive digital programming. These sets are commonly referred to HD-Ready (or ED-Ready) TVs, or as HD (or ED) Monitors. With these TVs, you can watch analog broadcasts as with any TV, but you'll need to add a set-top ATSC tuner to view digital over-the-air broadcasts after the DTV transition is complete. If you're in the market for a smaller or combo TV, you'll find there are still a lot of analog sets for sale in this size range. You can still confidently buy an analog TV, with the understanding that you'll need to add a converter box to continue viewing over-the-air content after the DTV transition is complete. These converter boxes should become readily available as the February 2009 transition deadline approaches. Many digital TVs with built-in ATSC tuners also feature a CableCARD slot. This slot accepts an access card, provided for a fee by your local cable operator, that allows you to tune in premium cable channels (including HDTV channels) without the need for a set-top box. For use with cable, satellite or telephone-company video programming services If you get all of your TV programming from one of these providers, you may not need an ATSC tuner. You can expect to receive all the broadcast channels you are accustomed to receiving, assuming your operator continues to provide them. However, if some of the local broadcast channels you want are not offered by your provider, you will need an antenna and a built-in or set-top ATSC tuner to receive these broadcasts over the air. Precisely what equipment you will need depends on whether the channels you want include HDTV programming and whether your TV can display images in full HDTV resolution. For local information, see www.antennaweb.org. You may need to lease a set-top box from your provider in order to receive HDTV and premium content — especially if your TV is not equipped with a CableCARD slot. Back to top Q: Where can I find more information about the DTV transition and HDTV? A: For up-to-date and authoritative information, we recommend the following resources: "What You Need to Know About the February 17, 2009 'DTV Transition' and the NTIA 'Coupon-Eligible-Converter-Box' Program" (guide published by the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC)) "Buying a Digital Television" (official FCC tip sheet) Back to top |
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