Digital TV, At Last
We answer your questions about the Big Switch.
By Jeff Bertolucci, Contributing Writer
From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, June 2009
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In February, Congress approved a four-month postponement of the switchover from analog to digital broadcasting. Now, if you're like many consumers, you're wondering how to make sure your TV screens don't go dark.
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When is it happening? The U.S. officially abandons analog broadcasting on June 12.
Why the move to DTV? The switch allows TV stations to transmit vastly improved video and audio. If you own a high-definition television (HDTV), you'll get dramatically better picture resolution, color and clarity.
Even if you're still using an analog TV set with a converter box, the picture should be noticeably sharper. There are exceptions, however. Channels your TV received poorly before may not come in at all with the new digital system. To find out what your TV reception may be like after the switch, go to the government's digital-TV transition site, www.dtv.gov, and click on "DTV Reception Maps."
DTV also makes it possible for broadcasters to multicast, or transmit several channels of programming simultaneously. Plus, another benefit of the digital switch is that it frees up the broadcast spectrum for public-safety communications, such as by fire, police and emergency-rescue teams. And some parts of the spectrum will be auctioned to telecommunications firms that will provide advanced wireless services, such as faster broadband Internet.
How do I know whether I'm affected? If you receive over-the-air broadcasts through an indoor or rooftop antenna, you're affected. You must buy and install a converter box that allows your TV to receive digital signals. A pricier option is to buy a brand-new HDTV.
What if I have cable or satellite TV? Cable and satellite customers generally aren't affected. But cable providers are undergoing a digital transition of their own, and many now require subscribers to rent set-top boxes -- although that's not always the case. Comcast, for instance, is providing free boxes to customers in markets where the company is transitioning to digital. And Time Warner Cable subscribers can still connect their analog sets directly to the wall cable.
I need a converter box. Now what? Your first step is to order a $40 government-issued coupon that you can apply toward the cost of the box, which runs $40 to $80. Each TV that receives over-the-air broadcasts needs its own box, but there's a two-coupon limit per household. Go to www.dtv.gov or call 888-388-2009. The coupon expires 90 days after it is mailed.
Where can I buy a converter box? Most electronics retailers, including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target and Wal-Mart, carry them. Call first to make sure the store has them in stock.
How difficult is it to install? It's not hard at all. If you've ever set up a VCR, you can install a converter. If you run into trouble, the converter comes with a setup manual. There's also a troubleshooting guide at the DTV Web site.
Do I need a new antenna? Your existing rooftop antenna should work fine. If you're using an indoor antenna, make sure it has both rabbit ears for VHF reception and a loop or bow tie for UHF.
Is digital TV really free? Over-the-air digital broadcasts are free. Of course, if you receive DTV via cable or satellite, you'll still pay for the service.
Discuss