Cable's Role in the DTV Transition
With the nation’s full power broadcast TV stations now preparing to switch to an all system in 2009, the U.S. cable industry has launched an extensive consumer education campaign – including TV advertising valued at $250 million – to alert cable and non-cable viewers about the change.
All full power over-the-air television stations will broadcast in a digital-only format by June 12, 2009. This means that millions of analog TV sets will no longer display broadcast TV signals unless they are connected to cable, another video service, or to a special digital-to-analog converter, available now from retailers.
The good news for cable customers is that the digital transition should be easy. Thanks to a compromise adopted by the FCC in September 2007, cable companies will carry the main digital signal of “must carry” commercial full power broadcast TV stations and will duplicate that signal into analog format so that all channels can be viewed on any older analog TV sets connected to cable.
Cable’s carriage of the signals in both digital and analog formats will ensure that all customers will see commercial full power broadcast TV signals after the transition. This approach will make the digital transition effortless for all cable customers and provide valuable assistance to commercial TV stations trying to reach all of the homes in their region.
While cable systems will work to ensure that their customers are ready for the transition, education of all Americans remains critical.
Research shows that most Americans aren’t aware of the digital TV transition, so cable’s Get Ready for Digital TV campaign is alerting viewers to this dramatic change and providing simple and practical information so viewers can be prepared.
Click below for more information:
Examining the Issue
DTV Transition Coalition
7/1/2007
What is the DTV Transition Coalition?Abstract: Document explains the DTV transition and the work of the coalition.Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
7/1/2007
DTV Transition Factsheet
Email this Document
Abstract: One-page factsheet from the DTV Transition Coalition, available in both English and Spanish.Attachment: DTV_Coalition_Factsheet_English_07.01.07.pdf (236 KB)Attachment: DTV_Coalition_Factsheet_Spanish_07.01.07.pdf (259 KB)Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
Broadcast-Cable DTV Coordination
6/17/2008
Broadcast-Cable Coordination WebinarAbstract: This webinar was organized by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV). It focuses on the technical coordination necessary to make the Digital Television Transition work.Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
5/27/2008
Cable and Broadcast Industry Coordination Reference Handbook for the Broadcast DTV TransitionEmail this Document
Abstract: This document is intended to provide general background information concerning the broadcast industry’s transition to digital television and a generic technical and operational checklist to assist television broadcasters and cable operators in preparing for coordination efforts to help facilitate the digital transition, and prepare for carriage of...Attachment: DTV_Transition_Coordination_Handbook.pdf (1 MB)Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
NTIA Publications
Information on the DTV transition from the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
4/12/2007
"Preparing for the Digital Television Transtition" brochureEmail this Document
Abstract: This NTIA brochure explains how to prepare for the coming DTV transition. Versions available in English and Spanish.Attachment: NTIA_DTV_brochure_04.12.07.pdf (250 KB)Attachment: NTIA_DTV_brochure_SPANISH.pdf (250 KB)Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
4/12/2007
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program FAQEmail this Document
Abstract: Information about the Converter Box Coupon Program, in both English and Spanish.Attachment: NTIA_Coupon_FAQ.pdf (184 KB)Attachment: NTIA_Coupon_FAQ_SPANISH.pdf (184 KB)Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
Testimony
6/3/2009
McSlarrow Comments Regarding Completion of the DTV TransitionEmail this Document
Abstract: During a FCC meeting, Kyle McSlarrow spoke on a panel entitled "Industry and Consumer Group Reports on the Status of the DTV Transition and Prospects for June 12, 2009."Attachment: McSlarrow_DTV_Transition_Comments_06.03.09.pdf (20 KB)Publication Type: Testimony
2/13/2008
McSlarrow Testimony on "Status of the DTV Transition: 370 Days and Counting"Email this Document
Abstract: Testimony of Kyle McSlarrow, President & CEO, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, on "Status of the DTV Transition: 370 Days and Counting" before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House Of Representatives.Attachment: McSlarrow_DTV_Testimony_02.13.08.pdf (37 KB)Publication Type: Testimony
10/31/2007
Willner Testimony on Status of the DTV TransitionEmail this Document
Abstract: Testimony of Michael Willner, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Insight Communications, on “Status of the DTV Transition – Part 3” before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House Of RepresentativesAttachment: Willner_DTV_Testimony_10.31.07.PDF (30 KB)Publication Type: Testimony
Panel Discussion on DTV Transition
5/7/2007
"Preparing for the Digital Transition"Abstract: NCTA and Retirement Living TV, the first cable network dedicated to people age 55 and over, co-hosted a discussion on seniors and the digital TV transition at The Cable Show ’07, NCTA’s 56th annual convention and international exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada.Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
Response to the Initiative
9/26/2007
Statements of Support for the Cable Industry’s Digital TV Transition CampaignAbstract: Statements from various government officials, Members of Congress, trade associations, and advocacy groups.Publication Type: Other Voices
Media Releases
9/6/2007
CABLE LAUNCHES $200 MILLION DIGITAL TV TRANSITION CONSUMER EDUCATION CAMPAIGNAbstract: The U.S. cable industry is launching an extensive consumer education campaign, including English and Spanish language TV advertising valued at $200 million, designed to reach millions of cable and non-cable viewers with useful information about the digital TV change. Attachment: McSlarrow_DTV_Letter_to_House_09.06.07.pdf (49 KB)Attachment: McSlarrow_DTV_Letter_to_Senate_09.06.07.pdf (48 KB)Publication Type: Media Release
4/21/2006
CEA AND NCTA UNITE TO BROADEN SCOPE OF DTV EDUCATION EFFORTSAbstract: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have announced a coordinated effort to broaden educational outreach to consumers about the transition to digital television (DTV). Publication Type: Media Release
Regulatory Filings
1/12/2009
NCTA Letter 01/12/09Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA 4th Quarterly Report re: DTV Consumer Education Initiative, reporting on the cable industry's consumer education efforts in conjunction with broadcast stations' transition to digital television on February 17, 2009; MB Docket 07-148Attachment: 011209 07-148 qrtly letter.pdf (52 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
1/8/2009
NCTA Reply Comments 01/08/09Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Reply Comments re: Implementation of Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act; Establishment of DTV Transition "Analog Nightlight" Program, reiterating cable's major role in educating consumers about the upcoming DTV transition and its support to establish rules to fast track the "analog nightlight" program; MB Docket No. 08-255Attachment: 010809 08-255 replies.pdf (21 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
10/1/2008
NCTA Letter 10/01/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA 3rd Quarterly Report re: DTV Consumer Education Initiative, reporting on the cable industry's consumer education efforts in conjunction with broadcast stations' transition to digital television on February 17, 2009; MB Docket 07-148Attachment: 101008 07-148 qrtly letter.pdf (58 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
7/10/2008
NCTA Report 07/10/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Report re: DTV Consumer Education Initiative, submitting the second quarterly report on the cable industry's consumer education efforts in conjunction with the broadcast industry's transition to digital television; MB Docket No. 07-148Attachment: 071008 07-148 qrtly letter.pdf (60 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
6/27/2008
NCTA Comments 06/27/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: DTV Consumer Education Initiative, assuring the FCC that the cable indusry will continue to take steps to promote the DTV transition; MB Docket No. 07-148Attachment: 062708 07-148 comments.pdf (61 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
4/10/2008
NCTA Letter 04/10/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Letter re: DTV Consumer Education Initiative, submitting the first quarterly report on the cable industry's consumer education efforts in conjunction with the broadcast industry's transition to digital television on February 17, 2009; MB Docket No. 07-148Attachment: 041008 07-148 letter_report.pdf (193 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
9/17/2007
NCTA Comments 09/17/07Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: DTV Consumer Education Initiative, stating that the cable industry is voluntarily doing its part to help ensure that the transition to digital broadcasting is successful; MB Docket No. 07-148Attachment: 091707 07-148 comments.pdf (1 MB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
8/16/2007
NCTA Reply Comments 08/16/07Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Reply Comments re: Carriage of Digital Television Broadcast Signals: Amendment to Part 76 of the Commission's Rules, urging the FCC to reject calls for mandatory dual carriage or for changes in the existing material degradation standard ; CS Docket No. 98-120Attachment: 081607 98-120 Reply Comments.pdf (77 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
8/15/2007
NCTA Comments 08/15/07Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Third Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television, assuring the FCC that the cable industry is committed to working with the broadcast industry to ensure that cable viewers do not experience disruption in their service after February 17, 2009; MB Docket No. 07-91Attachment: 081507 07-91 Comments.pdf (25 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
7/16/2007
NCTA Comments 07/16/07Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Carriage of Digital Television Broadcast Signals: Amendment to Part 76 of the Commission's Rules, arguing that carriage of the primary digital signal is all that the statute can withstand as a legal obligation for must-carry stations; CS Docket No. 98-120Attachment: 071607 98-120 comments.pdf (195 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
10/31/2006
NCTA Letter 10/31/06Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Letter from NCTA President & CEO Kyle McSlarrow to Chairman Martin & Commissioners re: DTV TransitionAttachment: 103106 DTV Letter.pdf (46 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing