What is the DTV transition?
All area network TV stations are currently sending out two signals; a digital one, and an analog one. The digital one is received by newer digital HDTV’s, and the analog one by older analog TV’s. On February 17th, 2009, the federal government has mandated the analog broadcasts be shut down; so that spectrum becomes available for public emergency services communications and other commercial uses. At that time, any analog TV receiving its signal from a rooftop or tv-mounted antenna will go dark. To keep working, it will need a digital-to-analog converter box. These boxes are available at Sherman’s, and you can get up to two $40 coupons toward them by visiting www.dtv2009.gov, or calling 1-888-DTV-2009. Now if you have cable or satellite, you will not be affected right away; all your existing equipment will continue to operate normally; though you wont get the HDTV picture and sound without a newer HDTV. Talk to one of Sherman’s HDTV experts for more information, or visit www.dtv2009.gov.
The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress. Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990s, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 out of 1,762 full power television stations nationwide offer digital programming.
The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition was originally scheduled for Feb. 17, 2009, set by Congress. However, a few weeks before the deadline, Congress changed the date to June 12, 2009, to give people more time to prepare. Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990s, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 out of 1,762 full power television stations nationwide offer digital programming.
A1: The DTV transition is a dramatic overhaul of the nation’s over-the-air television broadcasting system. The way of sending TV signals over the airwaves is changing. It’s going from an old system known as “analog” broadcasting to a newer system known as “digital” broadcasting. The DTV transition in June 2009 is when over-the-air TV stations will stop transmitting their programs in analog language, and will start transmitting them only in digital. Not just some TV stations, but every one.
If you haven’t bought a digital ready TV and still rely on those bunny ear antennas or have an antenna on your roof, the DTV transition will affect you. On 17 February 2009, due to a Congressional mandate, “full broadcast” TV stations will stop broadcasting in analog, and begin broadcasting exclusively in digital. “Over the air” customers, those who get their TV signal via antenna, and not through cable or satellite dish, will need a TV that accepts a digital signal, or will have to purchase a converter box for their existing analog TV sets. Consumers should make a note that digital broadcasts are not the same as High Definition (HD) broadcasts. Although in order to broadcast in HD, the broadcast must be digital, you do not have to have an HDTV to view the HD signal. Further, as long as you have the converter box, or subscribe to paid cable or satellite TV, you can continue to watch your old analog TV. Many networks are already broadcasting in digital as well as analog, but after 17 Fe
