UPDATE: $40 Cupons Available For Digital Transition

On January 1st, 2008 the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) kicked off its program to supply American consumers with $40 coupons to ease the transition from analog to digital television spectrum. Tennessee consumers who do not subscribe to subscription video services, and who currently rely on over-the-air broadcast service for analog television will need to purchase digital converter boxes to ensure their televisions sets will work after December 17, 2009.

Consumers wishing to purchase a converter box are eligible to apply for two coupons per household, and can do so by going to the NTIA Website, or or by calling the 24-hour program hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009, faxing a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2, or mailing it to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208.

What is digital television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) signals transmit the information used to make a TV picture and sound through "data bits" which can carry more information than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology. The technology allows broadcasters to transmit programming with higher resolution and dramatically improved picture/sound quality over traditional analog or "standard definition" signals. DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.

What is analog television?
Analog television service is the traditional TV system. Analog television uses magnetic waves to transmit and display pictures and sound.

What is the digital TV transition?
The switch from analog TV (the traditional TV system that many current and older televisions use) to digital television (the new TV system using information transmitted as "data bits" -- like a computer -- to display movie-quality pictures and sound), is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition.

Why Are We Switching to Digital Television?
In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each TV broadcaster so that they could introduce DTV service while continuing their analog TV broadcasts. Congress made this decision in order to improve television quality for consumers, since digital signals offer vastly improved picture and sound quality, yet is more efficient than analog TV technology, and to free up parts of the public broadcast spectrum for public safety as well as other valuable uses.

Yet the transition to a full digital signal did not materialize, and many consumers are only now beginning to take advantage of digital programming as they replace old analog televisions with new, high technology digital sets. Congress stepped in to speed this transition along during consideration of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, legislation that cut deficit spending by nearly $50 billion during the 109th Congress. The legislation established a firm deadline for national transition to digital television, and set up a process to move broadcasters out of the old analog spectrum for use by first-responders and new wireless communication applications.

What happens on February 17th, 2009?
Most television stations will continue broadcasting both analog and digital programming until February 17, 2009, when all analog broadcasting will stop. After that point, consumers using TVs that receive over-the-air programming will need to buy converter boxes to change digital broadcasts into analog format. Converter boxes will be available from consumer electronic products retailers at that time, and the Federal government will provide subsidies for families to help defer the cost. Cable and satellite subscribers with analog TVs will likely be provided with new receivers that are capable of receiving a digital signal (though constituents are advised to contact their service providers about obtaining converter boxes for the DTV transition.)

What is the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Assistance Program?
Digital-to-analog converter boxes will make DTV signals viewable on analog TV sets. These converter boxes will be available in retail stores during the transition. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has been directed by Congress to set up a program that will allow households to obtain coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. Click here to learn more about the NTIA Converter Box program

Once broadcasters transition from analog to digital, will analog televisions will be obsolete?
No. Set-top boxes which convert digital signals to analog signals are available now and will continue to be available at lower prices to consumers as the transition progresses. However, to enjoy the full benefits of Digital TV, including superior sound and clarity, you must own a Digital TV set. An analog television, with the addition of a set-top box, will still allow viewers to enjoy all of the programming they have always enjoyed.

Helpful Digital TV Conversion Links:

FCC Consumer Education Guide for DTV

FCC Consumer Facts Headquarters

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Description of the Converter Box Coupon Program

NTIA Digital to Analog Converter Box Program Homepage

Others Working to Make DTV Transition a Success