Get ready for the switch to digital television (DTV) DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Chip Rosenthal Unicom Systems Development chip@unicom.com Chair, City of Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
The Transition to Digital Television (DTV) is Coming By law, television stations nationwide must switch from analog to digital broadcasts by February 17, 2009 . DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Why Digital Television (DTV)? • Dramatically better picture • Better sound quality • More TV programming options • More efficient and more flexible than analog DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Austin DTV Broadcasts • KTBC Fox 7-1 • KLRU PBS 18-1, 18-2 (KLRU 2) • KVUE ABC 24-1, 24-2 (weather) • KXAN NBC 36-1 • KEYE CBS 42-1, 42-2 (RTN) • KNVA CW 54-1 DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Who will be affected? Every household in America that receives free over-the-air broadcasting signals through antennas on analog television sets will be affected by the transition. DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Impact on Central Texas • 635,860 Central Texas homes have TV. • Almost 10% Central Texas homes depend on over-the- air analog broadcasts. • About 81% Central Texas homes have multiple TV sets. Cable Satellite Over the Air Other DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Will I be Affected? • Does TV receive reception from a paid service? → ready • Does TV have a digital tuner? → ready • Receive reception from rabbit ears antenna? → upgrade • Receive reception from rooftop antenna? → upgrade DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
How do I Prepare for the DTV Transition? Option One: Purchase a converter box DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
What is a DTV Converter Box? A DTV converter box is an easy-to- install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set. The box converts the digital television signal into analog making it viewable on your analog TV. The box costs about $60 (before discount). www.dtv2009.gov lists 25 retail sites near 78701. DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Converter Box Coupons • A portion of the funds from the “wireless spectrum” sales has been alloted to help consumers make the transition. • Households may apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within 90 days. • Apply for coupons: www.dtv2009.gov or call 888-DTV-2009 DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
How to Connect a DTV Converter Box • Connect antenna to converter box. • Connect converter box to television. • Set television channel. • Turn on converter box and scan for channels. DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Possible Concerns (and Solutions) Some issues that will not affect most people. • Digital Reception Cliff → If it happens, upgrade your antenna. • Low Power Stations → Get converter box with “analog pass-thru”. • Using VCR to Record Broadcasts → Place converter box in front of VCR. DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
What else can I do to be ready? Option Two: ● Purchase a new television with a built-in digital tuner. Option Three: ● Subscribe to a paid cable, satellite, or telephone company television service. DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
Get Ready for Digital TV National Association of Broadcasters www.dtvanswers.com City of Austin DTV Transition cityofaustin.org/telecom/dtv.htm Consumer Reports www.consumerreports.org search for “digital TV transition” DTV Transition ― February 17, 2009
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