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-definition!) 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 review the information on this website 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.

How to tell if your TV is digital ready

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.

If you use an antenna to watch TV on a set that has an analog tuner – and don't subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service – you will need to upgrade to digital television by February 17, 2009.

About Converter Boxes

A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna. The box converts the digital television signal into an analog format, making it viewable on your analog TV set. The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is issuing each household up to two $40 coupons to help defray the cost of converter boxes.

DTV converter boxes that make digital broadcast signals viewable on analog television sets are now available for purchase at electronics retailers across the country.

Households may apply for up to two coupons, which must be redeemed within 90 days. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products. Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are eligible to request up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more information about the converter box coupon program, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit DTV2009.gov.

What Is Digital TV?

Digital television (DTV) is an innovative type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality.

DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional way of broadcasting known as analog. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming all at once (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting one channel at a time. DTV technology can also be used to deliver future interactive video and data services that analog technology can't provide.

Some of the more popular digital services offered are high-speed Internet, digital voice and HDTV. You can order a single service such as digital TV or combine them into what is known as a double or triple play package. Your local cable or satellite provider can provide you with more information on specific services offered in your area. Combining these services offers consumers with the convenience of one monthly bill, lower monthly costs and attractive rebate offers.

Recycling Your Old TV

Technology has revolutionized our lifestyle through telephones, radios, TVs, computers and cell phones. However, the brisk pace of technology means these devices become obsolete quickly.

A more recent issue is how our old electronics should be disposed of, because they often contain dangerous elements such as lead and mercury that can contaminate our soil and water supply.

To find the nearest recycling or re-use facility in your area we encourage you to visit. www.earth911.org

Upgrading Your TV

LCD vs. Plasma TVs (presented by Philips)
Currently, flat TVs are created using two different technologies: plasma and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The foundation of the plasma TV is over a million tiny glass cells that are charged with a mixture of neon and xenon. Behind these cells are colored phosphors, which are chemical compounds that emit light when energized. Each cell has three phosphors; one red, one blue, and one green. When activated by an electrode, the plasma cells emit invisible UV light. The UV light strikes the red, green and blue phosphors on the back of the display and thus creates the pixels that form the image you see on the screen. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology works differently. Liquid is suspended between two transparent panels. Within the liquid are crystals that, when activated by voltage, re-position themselves so that they either allow the light to pass through the panel and or block the light. This process is similar to turning on and off a million light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes behind the panels supply the light source. Both the lit and unlit crystals create visible pixels that cumulatively compose the image on the screen.

Pros and Cons of Each

Brightness
Brightness in LCD and plasma screens is typically expressed as candelas per square meter (cd/m2). Typically, plasmas are listed at 500-700 cd/m2, but independent reviewers say that that the brightness of plasma is closer to 100 cd/m2. Conversely, LCD TVs typically get a brightness rating of 450 cd/m2, again when measured independently.

Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the measurement of the brightest white against the blackest black that the TV can create. The higher the contrast ratio, the easier it is to discern details on the screen. Current plasmas measure contrast ratios of up to 3000:1. However, independent reviewers believe that measured in real world viewing situations, contrast ratios for plasma TVs drop to approximately 200:1. Conversely, LCD TV contrast ratios range from 350-450:1 when measured using the same realistic standards.

Color Saturation
Color saturation describes the amount of grey in a color. The more grey, the lower the saturation. Plasma has the advantage over LCD in the area of color saturation because of it's method to light blocking. Plasma is able to completely turn off pixels when not in use, so that no stray light dilutes the colors. The way LCD technology works means that there is some stray light and therefore obtaining true color is difficult.

Screen Size
Right now, the plasma market offers TVs as big as 60 inches, and no plasma TV is available smaller than 32 inches. LCD screen sizes range from 13 inches to 46 inches, and because of manufacturing innovations, larger models are becoming available every year. Look for LCDs to catch up in this area soon.

Viewing Angle
Historically, plasma TVs have had a larger viewing angle, at about 160 degrees, when measured against older LCD TVs. However, the newer model LCD TVs have viewing angles up to 175 degrees.

Burn In
Burn in is what happens when an image stays on a plasma screen for an extended period of time. LCD's are not at all susceptible to burn in. While Plasma TVs are vulnerable, some newer plasma TVs have added features that combat it.

Lifespan
Typical plasma TVs have a life span of 20,000 to 30,000 hours, which equates to at about 20 years of usage if you have the set on for 4 hours a day. The lifespan of an LCD TV is typically 50,000 to 60,000 hours, or about 40 years running 4 hours daily.

Response Time
Response time is the amount of time, measured in milliseconds (ms), that it takes for a pixel to go from active to inactive and back to active again. Lower numbers mean faster transitions and fewer visible image artifacts. Plasma TVs were made to handle rapid movement on the screen more effectively. They can have response times as low as 15 ms. LCD TVs started as PC displays, and so the need to show fast movement wasn't critical; somewhere around 25 ms. LCD manufacturers have been steadily improving their response times as the demand for fast moving, full motion video has increased. Newer model LCD TVs can have response times as fast as 16 ms.

Power Conservation
Because the crystals in LCD TV do not produce light, the technology is labeled as "non-emissive," which means it does not give off radiation like the CRT. Cold cathode light sources, like fluorescent tubes, which use only a little power, are used to illuminate the image. LCDs also use less power than plasma televisions, because plasma requires powering hundreds of electrodes to stimulate the phosphors.

DTV News Feed
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Digital TV FAQs

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) are 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.

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