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Home , Analog television, Digital television, Tuner (radio)

The switch to digital (DTV) is coming. Get ready for dramatically better television.

By law, television stations What is (DTV)? Who will be affected? nationwide must switch their Digital Television (DTV) is an innovative Consumers who receive free broadcast from analog to digital new type of over-the-air broadcasting television signals through antennas on that transmits pictures over the television sets that are equipped with by February 17, 2009.* airwaves in data bits, like a . DTV analog tuners – and who do not subscribe Television sets connected to cable, enables TV stations to provide dramatically to cable, satellite or a company clearer pictures, better sound quality and satellite or a television service provider – will be affected more programming choices. by the transition. television service will not be affected, and will continue to re- DTV also makes high-definition (HD) At least 19.6 million households receive broadcasting possible for viewers with HD free broadcast television signals exclusively ceive programming after that date. sets and provides interactive capabilities in their homes, and approximately 70 million But sets and data services such as significantly television sets are at risk of losing their that receive their signal from an enhanced . signals from full-power television stations after February 17, 2009, if owners of these and are not connected to Why the switch? sets do not take steps to upgrade. a paid television service will need Under legislation passed by Congress a DTV converter box to continue – the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 – How do I upgrade to DTV? full-power local television stations are receiving a television signal after You can upgrade to DTV by following required to turn off their analog channels on one of three steps by February 17, 2009: the date of the switch. February 17, 2009, and continue broadcasting exclusively in the digital format. *Low-power and class A TV stations are exempt. 1. DTV converter box: Purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into your What are the benefits of DTV? existing analog TV set. A converter box DTV is a more efficient way to broadcast, will enable you to continue to receive and it will free up the airwaves for a variety of free television reception, and the boxes, new services. DTV also provides crystal clear which are expected to cost between $40 and $70, will be available for purchase Switch to digital pictures and sound, more channels and even Feb 17, 2009 free, over-the-air high-definition television in early 2008. The federal government is (HDTV) for consumers with HD television providing $40 coupons that you may use sets. DTV will also allow more services than toward the purchase of these boxes. ever before with free, broadcast television. (See reverse for details)

(continued on back) 2. Digital TV set: Purchase a new two coupons, valued at $40 each, which or look on the set for an indication that it with a built-in digital or must be redeemed within 90 days. For has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Advanced Television Systems Committee more information or to request a coupon, Committee (ATSC) . You can also go (ATSC) tuner, which start at under $100. All call 1 (888) DTV-2009 or 1 (877) 530-2634 to the manufacturer’s Web site and check TVs with a digital tuner are able to receive (TTY), visit www.DTV2009.gov or mail the capabilities of the set by manufacturer digital signals broadcast by television coupon applications to PO Box 2000, model number. stations, so you can continue to receive your Portland, OR 97208. free programming with no monthly fees. Is HDTV the same thing as DTV? Can I keep my analog TV set? No. DTV is digital television. HDTV 3. Paid service: Subscribe to cable, Yes. Buying a new digital television is high definition television. HDTV is the satellite or a telephone company service set isn’t the only option you have for highest quality format of DTV, but it is only provider to continue using your analog navigating the DTV transition. If you wish one of several formats. Consumers who have TV set, if all desired local broadcast to continue using your analog set, you must high definition TV sets may receive high stations are carried by that service. consider one of the following options to definition television programming for free make the switch to digital television: using an antenna. What is a DTV converter box? A DTV converter box is an electronic 1. Purchase a DTV converter box, which Will I need a special antenna device that hooks up to your analog television will convert the new into the to receive DTV over-the-air? set and antenna and converts the digital analog format for analog television sets. A good indoor or outdoor antenna will television signal into analog, making it view- maximize your DTV reception. In general, able on your analog TV. Converter boxes are 2. Subscribe to a cable, satellite or dependable reception of DTV will require expected to cost between $40 and $70. telephone company service provider the same type of antenna that currently to receive the new digital signal. works to provide good quality reception of How can I get a coupon for analog TV signals at your home. a DTV converter box? How do I know if I have an The federal government is providing analog or digital television set? For help choosing an outdoor antenna in coupons for DTV converter boxes to help To check whether your TV set can order to receive your free, local broadcast with the costs of upgrading to digital. receive over-the-air digital broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org. Households will be able to apply for up to signals, take a look at your owner’s manual

An initiative of the National Association of Broadcasters, which represents more than 8,300 free, local and television stations and broadcast networks across the country.