DTV and You: Get the Facts

Information about the switch to digital television (DTV) that is happening next February is available from government, TV station, cable, and satellite websites. Some of the information conflicts from one site to another, so I decided to research the issue to understand what's going to happen, and what it means for the average person.

The switch to DTV, mandated by the Federal government, is part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. By law, by February 17, 2009, all full-power over-the-air broadcast TV stations across the nation must turn off their analog channels, broadcasting exclusively in the digital format.

The immediate benefits of this change are threefold. Compared to analog, digital broadcasting is much more efficient, meaning there will be additional airspace available for emergency broadcasting, business services, and more. Consumers will enjoy enormously better picture and sound qualities, enhanced closed captioning, and other services. And local TV stations will gain the ability to "multi-cast," providing several channels of TV programming at the same time.

What this means is, analog antenna TVs will stop working on February 17, 2009, unless you have a cable or satellite connection, or you buy a converter box. Digital antenna TVs with an Advanced Television Systems Committee, or ATSC, tuner do not need help to receive clear, local broadcast channels. This is true today, since many local TV stations are already broadcasting in the digital format.

How do you know if your set has an ATSC tuner? Essentially, TVs made before 1998 were traditional analog sets. TVs made between 1998 and 2004 may have a built-in digital tuner, but it's not likely. During this time, as a rule, only big screen projection TVs, 42-inches or larger, included digital tuners.

TVs made after 2004 are more likely to have a built-in digital tuner, but it's still not a sure thing. Even sets advertised today as "HD-ready" or "HDTV monitor" can display digital and high-definition signals, but they still need help getting those signals in the first place. They need a converter box, cable, or satellite connection. If your TV has an ATSC tuner you can find it in the back, or check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website.

The bottom line is that if you currently use an antenna to get TV reception, then you need a converter box, cable, or satellite service before February 17, 2009 in order to continue enjoying your favorite shows. If you have cable or satellite now, you can continue service uninterrupted, without buying any additional equipment.

However, you may find the idea of free TV to be appealing. With the converter box and an antenna, you can watch broadcast TV clearly. Free. Today! Again, the February 2009 date is the latest that stations have to make the switch, but in many cities around the nation, local stations are already broadcasting digitally. Free TV. I found that to be the most interesting of all the information out there.