By February 17, 2009, the nation will complete the change-over from television as we know it to the new digital format. If you receive TV signals through a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears on top of your set and you currently do not subscribe to cable or satellite, you will no longer have television service in your home. In order to continue receiving TV programming, you can do one of the following:
- Purchase a converter box for each television in your home that receives TV signals through an antenna; you can save money on this option through the federal government's Converter Box Coupon Program. For information, visit http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon or call toll-free 1-888-DTV-2009;
- Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; or
- Subscribe to a cable or satellite service that carries the channels you want to watch.
Click here to learn more about this historic transition and/or watch The ABC’s of HDTV, an easy-to-follow guide that addresses common questions and misconceptions.
The ABC's of HDTV Airdates
saturday, may 5 at 7.30 pm
sunday, may 11 at 9.30 am
thursday, may 15 at 11.30 pm
saturday, may 17 at 5.30 am and 5.30 pm
sunday, may 25 at 1.30 pm
tuesday, may 27 at 5 am
Click here to watch a preview now!
Digital TV Schedules
I WANT MY DTV!
At WLIW21, we understand that you probably have a lot of questions about the changeover to digital television (DTV). We want you to know that we're here to help you make the transition so that you won't experience any interruption of your television service.
What is the digital transition?
What is analog television?
Why is this transition to DTV happening?
How do I know whether I own a DTV?
If my current television doesn't have a digital tuner, will I still be able to use it?
How can I get a low-cost converter box?
What if I do nothing?
How can I learn more about digital transition?
Download the DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Report
What is the digital transition?
After February 17, 2009, all TV stations must cease analog broadcasting and transition to exclusively broadcasting in a digital format, also known at DTV.
What is analog television?
Analog service has been the standard way of transmitting television since it was first invented. Analog is not as efficient as digital television because TV stations can transmit only one channel of programming with an analog signal. Analog is also susceptible to interference and "snow" that make the picture less clear.
Why is this transition to DTV happening?
Congress mandated the conversion to DTV for two important reasons. First, DTV will provide higher quality picture and sound, and more programming options for viewers because, with digital, multiple channels can be transmitted, as opposed to only one through analog transmission. Second, ending analog broadcasting will free up a wide range of frequencies so they can be used for public safety such as police, fire, and emergency rescue communications.
How do I know whether I own a DTV?
After May 25, 2007, all television receivers being sold were required to contain a digital tuner; otherwise, they must be identified at the point-of-sale as not having one. Be sure to look for this label if you are purchasing a new TV. To determine whether your television equipment purchased before May 25, 2007 is a DTV, look for labels or markings that say "ATSG," "digital tuner,' "HD Built-In," "Intergrated HDTV" or statements in the informational materials that came with it, to indicate that it contains a digital tuner. If you still don't know, check the manufacturer name and model number, and then contact your retailer or the manufacturer to find out.
If my current television doesn't have a digital tuner, will I still be able to use it?
If you subscribe to cable or satellite, your access to broadcast channels should not change. However, if you continue to rely on over-the-air signals via an analog television and a rooftop antenna or a "rabbit ears" antenna on top of your set, you will no longer have television service in your home after February 17, 2009. You must do one of the following:
- Purchase a converter box for each television in your home that receives TV signals through an antenna;
- Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; or
- Subscribe to a cable or satellite service that carries the channels you want to watch.
How can I get a low-cost converter box?
In order to help consumers with the digital transition, the federal government has created a coupon program that will significantly reduce the cost of a set-top box. The coupons will be redeemable at select retailers. To learn more about the digital-to-analog converter box coupon program, including how and when to request your coupons, coupon value, and redemption instructions, please visit http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html or call a toll-free number, 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), for an update in English or Spanish.
What if I do nothing?
If you do not receive your signal via cable or satellite and do not have a television with a built-in digital tuner (or have a set-top converter box), your television will not receive programming after February 17, 2009.
How can I learn more about digital transition?
A wealth of information about the digital transition is also available on the internet, including the following websites:
PBS Digital Television
FCC: Digital Television is Coming
DTV Answers
FCC: Digital Television
NTIA: Digital TV Transition and Public Safety
HDTV Primer