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ABOUT THE DIGITAL
TV TRANSITION
Never heard of the Digital TV Transition? Don't
worry, you're not alone. So, just what is the
digital TV transition and why is it so
important? And, what's with all the digital
television, high definition television, digital
tuner mumbo- jumbo that we keep hearing about?
These are all great questions many of us are
facing today. How do you know if you're ready
when the transition occurs?
As of February 17, 2009 analog television
broadcasts will cease to exist and be completely
replaced by digital broadcasts. If you don't
have the proper set-up, you will not be able to
receive television signals to your television
set.
If you currently receive free TV, otherwise
known as over-the-air broadcasts, you're going
to have to make some adjustments. You will
either need to replace your current analog TV
with a TV set that has a built-in ATSC (digital)
tuner, or get a converter box to change the
digital signal into analog. Your analog TV will
not display these digital signals without the
aid of a separate receiver or set-top box to
convert the signals. For those concerned about
the cost of purchasing a converter box,
qualifying U.S. households may receive up to two
coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a box
beginning in 2008.
Rules and information will be provided about
these coupons by the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration.
More information regarding the coupon program
can be found at
www.ntia.doc.gov.
So why are we replacing the old analog
broadcasts with digital? First, digital TV
technology can transmit more information far
more efficiently than analog. Broadcasters can
transmit multiple standard definition digital TV
programs at once, called multi-casting, or send
an extremely high resolution, High Definition
signal. Second, switching over to all digital
will free up valuable analog stations, currently
in short supply, to be used by public and safety
services, such as emergency, fire and rescue
services.
One of the main benefits to having digital
television is that it has the capability to
bring programming in movie-quality picture and
sound, which can dramatically enhance the
viewing experience. If you choose to keep your
analog TV, you will not be able to view the
digital TV at its optimum quality. To read more
about the different quality levels of digital
television, select the tab to the left labeled
''Recommendations''. Subscribers wishing to
receive programming in High Definition will need
a television set capable of displaying HD, an HD
receiver, and HD programming.
As with any technological change, there will be
a period of adjustment and preparation. Now that
you know what the digital TV transition is
about, and what you will need, you will be ready
when the transition occurs in 2009.
Please check our
website for available models of Converter Boxes
as they change with availability.
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