DTV FAQs

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Will I need a new TV?
Will my TV continue to work when full-power broadcasters switch to all-digital broadcasting (DTV) on February 17, 2009?
Why is the FCC switching to Digital Television (DTV)?
What is Over-The-Air (OTA) programming?
What is High-Definition TV (HDTV)?
When will the DTV transition be complete?
What is the NTIA "Coupon-Eligible Converter Box" (CECB) program?
Does Best Buy accept the coupons and carry the converter boxes?
Will a converter box allow me to see the benefits of digital TV on my analog set?

I now subscribe to cable or satellite. Do I need to be concerned about an end to free, over-the-air analog broadcasts?
What about translator stations and low-power community broadcasters?
How can I be sure whether any of the stations I watch are exempt from the digital TV conversion deadline?
I watch a specialized broadcaster that is not required to convert to digital on February 17, 2009, but I also watch the major stations that will be all-digital. How can I keep watching both on my analog set?
What is the advantage of a converter box equipped with ¿analog pass-through¿?
How will I know if my specific TV model will be affected?
What does this mean for me if I am shopping for a new TV?
Does all of the above information apply in Puerto Rico?
Where can I find more information about the DTV transition and HDTV?

A: No, but if you currently receive some or all of your TV programming "over the air" (i.e., via a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears"), you will need to consider one of the following three options:

Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs in to an existing television. The boxes are available now.

To make the purchase easier, U.S. households can request up to 2 coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single coupon-eligible converter box that will allow you to continue watching free over-the-air programming on an analog set.

Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.

Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. (You can recycle your old analog TV at Best Buy. Learn how.)

Any of these options will ensure that over-the-air television consumers will continue to receive programming.

Q: Will my TV continue to work when full-power broadcasters switch to all-digital broadcasting (DTV) on February 17, 2009?

A: TV sets receiving programming over the air with an antenna will need to be plugged into a converter box when broadcasting goes all-digital in February 2009. TVs connected to cable, satellite or other paid TV service and newer TVs with digital tuners will not require a converter box. Learn more and fill out an application for money-saving coupons for converter boxes through the U.S. Dept. of Commerce TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Apply now or visit the department's official program Web site at www.dtv.gov

Q: Why is the FCC requiring the switch 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.

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 shows broadcast by affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW or PBS, and by 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.

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.

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.

Q: What is the NTIA "Coupon-Eligible Converter Box" (CECB) program?

A: Because millions of households rely on antennas for all or some of their TV viewing, the Congress, when it enacted the DTV Transition law, set aside considerable funding for a program of "Coupon-Eligible Converter Boxes," to be administered by an agency of the Department of Commerce, the NTIA. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program benefits households wishing to continue using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.

The law requires the NTIA to make available, to each U.S. household, up to two $40 electronic coupons that can be used at participating retailers toward the purchase of converter boxes that will convert digital TV broadcasts to analog signals that can be received by the older conventional TVs. These coupons will be available only from the NTIA, but applications to obtain them will be widely available. For more information, please visit www.dtv2009.gov. Applications are available in Best Buy stores or may be downloaded here.

The coupons may only be used to purchase coupon-eligible converter boxes. Coupons cannot be combined to buy a single product. Consumers may request coupons starting January 1, 2008, and coupons will expire 90 days from issuance. The last coupons will be sent out by March 31, 2009.

Q: Does Best Buy accept the coupons and carry the converter boxes?

A: Best Buy is a participating retailer in the government's Converter Box Coupon Program. Coupon-eligible converter boxes are available in our stores starting in mid-February 2008. You may also order a converter box with your coupon through our phone channel by calling 1-877-BBY-DTV9. Unfortunately, we cannot accept converter box coupons through our Web site. Find a Best Buy store near you.

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 requires 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.

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.

Q: What about translator stations and low-power community broadcasters?

A: While the major commercial and public broadcasters are going all-digital by February 17, 2009, there are some specialized broadcasters that are exempt from the DTV transition requirement:

TV translator stations that rebroadcast the programs of full-power TV stations. Translator stations typically serve communities that cannot receive the signals of free over-the-air TV stations because they are too far away from a full-power TV station or because of geography (such as uneven terrain or mountains). Many translator stations operate in mountainous or more remote areas of the country.
Low-power television (LPTV) stations that provide a locally-oriented or specialized television service in the communities they serve. These communities may be in rural areas or may be individual communities within larger urban areas.

In most cases, these broadcasters will continue to transmit analog signals following the February 17, 2009 deadline.

Q: How can I be sure whether any of the stations I watch are exempt from the digital TV conversion deadline?

A: The NTIA maintains a list of translator stations and low-power community broadcasters, organized by state, at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/LPTVmap.html.

Q: I watch a specialized broadcaster that is not required to convert to digital on February 17, 2009, but I also watch the major stations that will be all-digital. How can I keep watching both on my analog set?

A: We recommend that you consider a coupon-eligible converter box equipped with an "analog pass-through" feature that facilitates switching of the antenna between your analog TV tuner and your coupon-eligible converter box. This pass-through feature is not mandatory and has been limited among the first wave of converter boxes to hit retailer shelves. Best Buy expects to offer converters with analog pass-through by July of 2008. Other options include using a non-pass-through converter box with an optional accessory kit to perform the switching between the converter and your analog TV, or manually connecting the proper equipment to your TV as needed.

Q: What is the advantage of a converter box equipped with "analog pass-through"?

A: The analog pass-through feature allows the converter box to pass analog signals (such as those that will continue to be broadcast by translator stations in rural areas and low-power community broadcasters), as well as convert digital signals to analog. This makes it possible for you to view both analog and digital broadcast signals on the same analog TV, without disconnecting and reconnecting equipment or relying on an accessory to route the different signals. For this reason, we recommend a converter box equipped with analog pass-through for customers who watch specialty broadcasters that are exempt from the DTV transition deadline.

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 broadcast over the air. 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.

All TVs currently sold at Best Buy contain a digital ATSC tuner.

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 will need a model with an integrated (built-in) HDTV or DTV tuner (also known as an ATSC tuner). Years ago, the FCC began requiring manufacturers of TVs intended for the U.S. market to include ATSC tuners in these TVs (beginning with the largest screen sizes and progressing to the smallest). According to the phase-in schedule, beginning in 2007 and going forward, all new TVs manufactured for the U.S. market are required to incorporate an integrated ATSC tuner. All televisions currently sold at Best Buy contain a digital (ATSC) tuner.

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, visit 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.

Q: Does all of the above information apply in Puerto Rico?

A: Yes. However, be aware that converter boxes can only be picked up in our stores in Puerto Rico. We are not able to ship to addresses in Puerto Rico.

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:

In English:

"What Consumers Need to Know About the February 17, 2009 'DTV Transition' and the NTIA 'TV Converter Box Coupon Program'"
(guide published by the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC))

"Buying a Digital Television"
(official FCC tip sheet)

For further information on display formats, see the Consumer Electronics Association's Guide to Digital Television at www.myceknowhow.com/digitalTelevision.cfm or visit the Commission's digital television website at www.dtv.gov.

En Español:

"Lo que debe saber de la transicion DTV del 17 de Febrero del 2009 y del NTIA programa (CECB) cupon de descuento de caja convertidota"

Para obtener más información sobre los formatos de pantalla, visite el sitio web de la Comisión de televisión digital en www.dtv.gov/espanol.html.

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