Column For The Eeek Of July 8th, 2007 Converting To Digital Television

Op-Ed

Column for the week of July 8th, 2007 Converting to Digital Television

In recent months, there has been a lot of information circulating regarding digital television or "DTV" and the effect it will have on people across the nation. As mandated by Congress, all broadcasters will be required to convert their broadcasts to a digital format by February 17th, 2009. This conversion will free up valuable analog broadcast spectrum that can be used for public safety and emergency services.

Digital television not only frees up important airwaves, it also offers many advantages over analog television, which has been used since the beginning of television broadcasting. While analog television uses radio frequency waves to broadcast images and sound, DTV uses computer code. Because of this difference, DTV is more versatile and efficient and it provides better quality viewing than standard analog. Pictures and sound are captured using digital technology, giving the consumer a movie-quality experience, as well as multicasting and interactive capabilities.

Many citizens are worried that their current analog television will be outdated after the digital transition. Analog televisions and VHF and UHF antenna will still work after the transition. If you receive TV programming over the air using a roof-top or rabbit ears antenna, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into your television. If you are a cable or satellite TV viewer, you should contact your provider to find out if you will need a converter box in order to receive digital broadcasting.

Converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $75. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration can provide up to two coupons per household worth $40 each toward the purchase of a converter box. Consumers will be able to apply for these coupons between January 1st, 2008 and March 31st, 2008 on the NTIA's website at www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html.

However, you can also choose to purchase a television that is already equipped to receive digital broadcast without the use of a converter box. Such TV sets are designated as "Integrated" or "Built-In" HDTV or DTV sets and vary in price based on their size, resolution, and brand.

For more information regarding DTV and the transition from analog broadcast, please visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.

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