Surviving the Analog-to-Digital TV Transition

On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. If you’ve been itching to update your old equipment and go all-digital (or even high-def!) this transition could be the perfect excuse to go shopping and check out all the exciting options available. For most of us, however, the good news is the transition will have little — if any — impact on our current service.

While digital and high definition (HD) services offer better picture, sound, and access to more channels and content, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is working with cable and satellite providers to ensure those who are content with their current analog equipment and service experience as little disruption (and incur as little cost) as possible as a result of the transition.

So, before you toss your old set to the curb, we encourage you to read the below primer on the “DTV transition” to see how, and if, it will impact you. In addition, the FCC has established two helpful website with lots of additional information on the topic at www.dtv2009.gov and www.dtv.gov.

Why are broadcast TV stations switching to all-digital?

Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting).

Why does the government want to do this?

General consensus is that the federal government wants to auction off the current analog spectrum for billions of dollars, most likely to wireless companies who will use it to provide advanced wireless services.

How many TV sets will be affected?

The answer really depends on whom you ask. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) estimates the number to be 33.6 million, while consumer groups, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimate the number is 65 million or more. For reference, the CEA and others report about 285 million TV sets are in use in the United States.

How is this going to affect me?

It won't affect you if you already own a digital TV and already subscribe to either digital cable through your local provider or digital satellite TV service, or you have already purchased and installed a digital-to-analog set-top converter box that converts the analog signal to a digital signal

How do I know whether I own a DTV?

As-of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a digital tuner. In addition, effective May 25, 2007, the FCC required sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date. You should also check the manual or any other materials that came with your television equipment in order to determine whether it contains a digital tuner.

How much does a digital TV cost?

Prices vary depending on the many features and options available to consumers, including format, display technology and screen size. Display technology choices include cathode ray tube (CRT) screens, rear projection TVs, front projection TVs, and flat panel TVs. Flat panel TVs, often the most expensive, can use either a liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma screen technology. Screen size is measured diagonally across the screen, and the larger the screen generally the more expensive the TV. Sets with built-in high-definition (HD) tuners and other high-end features are typically the most expensive relative to size; but the good news is there are options available for every budget.

What difference in quality should I expect with the switch from analog to DTV?
If you already have a digital TV and service, you shouldn’t experience any disruption, or change, in service. If you’re new to digital TV you should expect to see a drastic improvement in both the picture and sound quality. These improvements will be especially evident if you also have a newer digital TV set, which have built-in technology to maximize the digital signal from the cable or satellite companies.

Will I be able to watch HD channels after I switch to digital?

Yes and no. In most cases, high definition (HD) is an additional service from your service provider and requires a TV set capable of processing the HD signal. Many of today’s digital TVs include a built-in HD tuner, or at least the option to add one later. If you need to upgrade your analog TV for the DTV transition, make sure you check if your new set has HD capability before you buy. Whether you add HD service right away or wait, you’ll only have to buy one new TV to meet the DTV requirements and enjoy the enhanced HD experience. While HD is definitely the growing trend in TV service with HD channels being added at an increasing pace, keep in mind that HD-capable TV sets are often the most expensive, and it will still be some time before all channels are offered in “high-def”.

What if I want to keep using my analog TV?

After February 17, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing a digital-to-analog set-top converter box. Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program. For more information, visit the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov.

My current TV and service are just fine. What if I don’t want to make the switch?

Fortunately, there are some options for those who don’t want to upgrade their equipment or service, or purchase the set-top converter box … however it will only gain you a temporary reprieve.

According to the FCC, the February 17, 2009 deadline for the DTV transition only applies to full-power broadcast stations. Cable companies are not required to transition their systems to digital and can continue to deliver channels to their customers in analog; in fact, they are actually required by FCC rules to continue offering local broadcast stations to their customers in analog as long as they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after February 17, 2009, and the FCC will decide in 2011 whether the requirement should be continued beyond February 17, 2012. This means that customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will be able to continue to do so.

However, to keep pace with current technology and customer demand, and in an effort to deliver better quality and broader content choices, it is very likely cable companies will begin to transition to all-digital service. Under the FCC’s DTV transition plan, if a cable company makes the business decision to go all-digital (meaning it will stop offering any channels to its customers in analog), it must ensure its analog customers can continue to watch their local broadcast stations. However, this will likely require these customers still using analog TV sets to either upgrade or purchase a set-top box; in many cases this will be at the discretion (and price) of the individual cable provider.

For most people who are reluctant to give up their current analog TV or service, the best (and cheapest) long-term bet is to take advantage of the NTIA set-top converter coupon program.