Frequently Asked Questions

What is the digital TV transition?

The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress has set June 12, 2009 as the final date that full-power television stations can broadcast in analog only. Your local broadcasters may make the transition before then, and some already have.

Why are we switching to digital television?

An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads. Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband).Consumers also benefit because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog. For example, 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 through a process called "multicasting." Multicasting allows broadcast stations to offer several channels of digital programming at the same time, using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program. So, for example, while a station broadcasting in analog on channel 7 is only able to offer viewers one program, a station broadcasting in digital on channel 7 can offer viewers one digital program on channel 7-1, a second digital program on channel 7-2, a third digital program on channel 7-3, and so on. This means more programming choices for viewers. Further, DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.

Do I have to wait until after June 12, 2009 to watch DTV?

No, digital television is available now. Click the Order Now page to get started.

Does the digital transition affect TV sets connected to satellite TV service?

No. The digital transition will not affect satellite TV subscribers who receive their local TV stations through their satellite dishes. Satellite TV service is a digital service and all satellite subscribers must have a set-top box connected to their TVs to receive the satellite-delivered programming. As a result, there should be no change in service for satellite subscribers unless the local TV stations are not provided by the satellite carrier.