What is the broadcast digital TV (DTV) transition?
The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the broadcast digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station (e.g., your local ABC, NBC and other stations) so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.
Why is the broadcast DTV transition required?
Congress mandated the broadcast DTV transition for several reasons. . The DTV transition will free up some of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Some of the spectrum will go to public safety services so our police, fire and first responders can communicate more efficiently; while other parts of spectrum will be auctioned to private companies for uses such as advanced wireless services. Auction proceeds will go to the U.S. Treasury. Consumers will directly benefit, as well. Digital broadcast television promises to transform the broadcast television viewing experience, offering improved picture and sound quality and ultimately more choices of off-the-air broadcast television content. Because digital is much more efficient than analog, rather than being limited to providing one analog program, a broadcaster is able to offer a super sharp “high definition” (HD) digital program or multiple “standard definition” (SD) digital programs simultaneously in the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program.
How do I know whether I will be affected by the broadcast DTV transition?
If you currently get your television programming for free “over the air,” using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears you may have to make some adjustments. The type of television you own is very important. If you own a digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner), you will be able to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009. If you own older, analog television sets, however, you will need to obtain digital-to-analog converter boxes to change the digital signals to analog in order to continue to way broadcast television on those sets.
U.S. households can obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of these digital-to-analog converter boxes. The program will be run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which has issued rules regarding the coupons program.
- Who will not be impacted?
In general, Verizon’s FiOS TV customers, will NOT be impacted by the broadcast DTV transition. FiOS TV service will not be affected by the broadcast DTV transition. If FiOS TV customers have analog TVs that are not connected to FiOS TV and receive broadcast television “off-the-air”, those customers will be required to obtain a digital-to-analog converter for those televisions through retail outlets participating in the NTIA’s converter box program. Since FiOS TV will not be affected by the broadcast DTV transition, these customers can also connect those televisions to the FiOS network instead.
If you are a cable (Non-FiOS TV) or satellite customer, you need to contact your provider to find out if you need to do anything to be prepared for the February deadline.
Can I request my coupons for the converter program today?
Yes. NTIA began taking requests for coupons on January 1.
How can I request my coupons?
Requests are being taken via toll-free customer support center, a Web site, fax, and through the mail. It started January 1, and will continue through March 31, 2009.
How do I know whether I'm eligible for a coupon?
All households in the United States and its territories are eligible for coupons on a first-come-first-served basis.
How many coupons can I request?
Each household can request a maximum of 2 coupons.
What is the value of a coupon?
Each coupon is worth $40. Only one coupon can be used per converter.
What information do I need to provide the government to request my coupons?
NTIA only requires information necessary to mail coupons: name, household address and number of coupons needed (maximum of 2). Applications are available now.
Will my coupons expire?
Yes. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued.
Will I still need an antenna to receive my programming?
Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air programming, you will still need it after you install a converter.
Where can I buy a converter?
Coupon-eligible converters may not be in stores yet. They are expected to appear in stores where you would also buy televisions and other consumer electronics products beginning in February.
Can I buy a converter online?
It is expected that online retailers will participate in the coupon program. Check the NTIA website to see a list of participating retailers.
Can I use my coupon(s) with FiOS TV equipment?
No. FiOS TV service will not be affected by the broadcast DTV transition. The coupons are only good towards specialized converter boxes needed to receive free “off-the-air” broadcast television.
Can I use my coupon(s) to purchase any converter?
No. NTIA will provide a list of eligible converters and participating retailers on its website. Consumers can also ask participating retailers what converters in their stores can be purchased with a government coupon.
Can I use my coupon to purchase other consumer electronics products, such as DVD recorders or televisions?
No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be redeemable only for purchase of eligible converters.
Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a converter I've already purchased?
No. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time converters are purchased.
Will I need to buy a new television after February 17, 2009?
No. Your existing television sets will continue to work after the digital transition if they are connected to converters. You do not need to discard your analog sets .
Will I receive Closed Captioning through a converter?
Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to pass through Closed Captioning to display on your television.
Will I receive High-Definition TV with the aid of a converter?
No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying high-definition resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a converter. If you want to view high-definition TV, then you will need one of the newer sets rated for "high-definition" resolution.
How do I know whether my facility is eligible for coupons? For example, are prisons or group homes eligible to receive coupons?
Applicants must meet the Census definition of a household as consisting of "all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters and has a separate U.S. postal address."
How Can I Obtain Additional Information?
For additional information about the digital television transition, visit the following Web sites to become familiar with your options for making a smooth digital transition:
https://www.dtv2009.gov: This is the NTIA site providing detail information regarding the coupon program, or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
www.dtv.gov: This is the FCC site offering comprehensive resources, including a consumer guide on what to look out for as the digital transition approaches.
www.dtvtransition.org : A one-stop clearinghouse of consumer information and tools to manage the digital transition, hosted by the DTV Transition Coalition.
www.myceknowhow.com: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) offers this information to help consumers understand various available equipment options.
Who Can Provide Me Additional Information at Verizon?
If you have any questions regarding the broadcast DTV transition or need additional information, please contact Mahasti Pourdastan, Director-Federal Regulatory Affairs, at mahasti.pourdastan@verizon.com.
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