You have probably heard about the coming Digital Television Transition and wondered what was going to happen and how it might affect you.

On February 17, 2009, television broadcasters nationwide will transition from analog to digital broadcasting as mandated by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. When the digital transition is complete, full power over-the-air broadcasting of free TV programming will move to exclusively digital channels and traditional analog channels will be switched off. The reason America is switching to DTV is because digital is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it will free up the airwaves for other services, such as public safety.  It will also result in clearer pictures, more channels and even free over-the-air high definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets.

The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. Millions of households nationwide that receive free full power over-the-air television through an antenna will be affected by the transition.

Consumers who receive free, full power over-the-air broadcasting exclusively on analog sets will have three options for continuing their television service:

1. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an analog television set;
2. Purchase a new television set with a built-in-digital tuner; or
3. Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider.

Congress has appropriated $1.5 billion to fund a digital-to-analog converter box coupon program.  The program is being administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA). On January 1, 2008, households will be able to request up to two coupons valued at $40 each to go towards the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes. Coupons will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service, and consumers will have approximately three months to redeem them. Digital-to-analog converter boxes will be available from electronics retailers in early 2008.

On February 28, 2007, the DTV Transition Coalition was founded. The DTV Transition Coalition comprises business, trade and industry groups as well as grassroots organizations and consumer groups that share a vital interest in a smooth transition.  The mission of the DTV Transition Coalition is to ensure that no consumer loses free full power over-the-air television reception in February 2009 due to a lack of information about the DTV transition. Today, more than 1,600 television stations nationwide already offer digital programming, so consumers in many markets are already enjoying the benefits of digital television, including crystal-clear programming, more channel choices and better sound quality.

Additional information about the DTV transition is available at the DTV Transition Coalition website – www.dtvtransition.org – and the FCC site at www.dtv.gov.  Information about the digital-to-analog converter box coupon program is available at www.ntia.doc.gov.

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