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| Switch to Digital Television, February 17, 2009 |
"The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only." From the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Website.
What to expect:
If you have a non-digital television and you currently receive your television signal through an antenna, you will not be able to view that signal after February 17, 2009.
What you can do:
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Your television will still be able to play videos from your DVD player or VCR, and
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You can still play video games on your television, or
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You can purchase a converter box to be able to convert digital signals to show up on your analog television. Starting in early 2008, coupons will be available at
www.dtv2009.gov
worth $40 each, two per household, toward the purchase of a converter.
If you are connected to cable or satellite for your television signal, you should contact your provider but you will likely still get television signals without interruption.
From the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration website at www.dtv2009.gov:
Ways to Prepare
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Your TV tuner is:
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You get your programming from:
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You will need by Feb. 17, 2009:
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Analog
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Over-the-air
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Digital-to-Analog converter box
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Analog
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Cable or satellite
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Contact your provider
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Digital
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Over-the-air
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Nothing
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Digital
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Cable or satellite
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Contact your provider
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Following are websites with more information about this television signal change:
 Michigan DTV for Me - Your Guide to the Digital Television Transition, sponsored by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB). This site contains a link to a presentation about the transition and a list of partners the MAB is working with to raise awareness of
Michigan residents regarding this change in television broadcasting.
Countdown to the DTV Transition, sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission, This site contains information geared to consumers, government agencies and community groups and the press. It also has information in Spanish.
Digital Television Transition and Public Safety, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This Federal agency is in charge of the coupon program that will allow U.S. households to obtain two free coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of specific converter boxes allowing analog televisions to display digital transmissions. On-line informational brochures are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.
DTV Transition sponsored by the DTV Transition Coalition. This site contains information about the transition as well as instructions for setting up a converter box.
An Associated Press video that simply explains what a person with a television connected to an antenna needs to do with a converter box to be able to continue using their television if it is not digital.
DTV Answers what you need to know about the February 17, 2009 switch to DTV. This site is sponsored by National Association of Broadcasters. The site has a short video about the transition as well as many informational resources.
U.S. EPA: Digital Television Transition
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