FAQs

DTV Questions
  1. What is digital television?
  2. Why are TV stations switching to all-digital?
  3. When is the switchover happening?
  4. What do I have to do to be ready for DTV?
  5. Who is affected by the digital television conversion?
  6. What if I don't do anything? Will I still be able to keep watching TV?
  7. What’s the difference between DTV, SDTV and HDTV?
  8. I bought an HDTV. When I turn it on, I’m watching in HD, right?
  9. I don’t get cable or satellite. How do I get an HD signal?
  10. Do I have to buy a new TV to watch in HD?
  11. I’m not sure if my TV is digital. How can I find out?
  12. Will my analog TV still work after the switchover?
  13. Will my DVD player, VCR, video games etc. still work if I buy a DTV?
  14. What’s so great about HD anyway? Why is it better than standard definition?
  15. What should I keep in mind when shopping for an HDTV?
  16. What should I do with a television or other electronics that I don’t use anymore?
  17. Glossary


DTV Questions

1. What is digital television? Top
  Digital is a new format for TV broadcasting which has clearer images and better sound. A digital TV is one that can receive and display the new format. The best way to describe the picture quality difference between analog (older format televisions) and digital is that of VCR compared to DVD.

DTV also can offer multiple programming choices called multicasting. Digital technology allows each digital broadcast station to split its bit stream into 2, 3, 4 or more individual channels of programming and/or data services. (For example, on channel 7, you could watch 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 or 7-4.)

There is also a public safety aspect to the digital switchover. The conversion will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum, which can then be used by police and fire departments, emergency rescue and advanced wireless services.		  
2. Why are TV stations switching to all-digital? Top
  All-digital it a much better way of transmitting a TV signal. You no longer have to deal with a fuzzy picture or distorted sound. With analog broadcast the further you are away from the TV station’s antenna, the worse your picture will be. With digital broadcast, you get a perfect signal or no signal at all.

In addition, the switch to all-digital broadcasting will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications. Some of the spectrum will be auctioned to wireless companies for the provision of advanced commercial wireless services (such as wireless broadband).

The new technology also allows more options for consumers than the outdated analog system. Broadcasters will be able to provide a super sharp “high definition” (HD) program or multiple “standard definition” (SD) digital programs at the same time. Providing several simultaneous programs on one broadcast channel is called multicasting. This means more choices of free programming for viewers.		  
3. When is the switchover happening? Top
  February 17, 2009. This date has been backed up a few times. Check back periodically for updates.

In 1996, the United States 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.

Since then, television stations have been preparing for the transition by building new facilities and airing digital channels alongside their regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 full power television stations out of 1,762 stations nationwide offer digital programming in all markets across America.

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.		  
4. What do I have to do to be ready for DTV? Top
  You have three options.

1. Buy a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set.

If you want to keep watching your older analog TV, you will be able to buy an converter box for less than $50. This will not make your TV digital, but you will be able to receive a digital signal and the box will convert it back to analog. The converter box will also allow you to watch any multicast programming offered by your local stations. hhgregg began selling the digital television converter boxes in early 2008.

Also, beginning in January 2008, coupons are available to help cover the cost of the converter box. Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA’s website, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). You can also email the NTIA.

2. Buy a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

If you buy a new television, make sure that it is digital. A digital TV is one with an internal digital tuner(sometimes called integrated DTV). As long as your television equipment contains a digital tuner, you can view over-the-air digital. Note: If you want to watch high-definition programming in full HD quality, you will need an HDTV.

All TV reception devices (televisions, VCRs, DVRs etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate after March 1, 2007 must contain a digital tuner. Retailers are allowed to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory, but must display an advisory to customers.

3. Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider.

All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting.		  
5. Who is affected by the digital television conversion? Top
  Anyone who gets over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners – and who does not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider – will be affected by the transition.

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, at least 19.6 million households receive over-the-air signals exclusively in their homes, and 14.9 million households have secondary over-the-air television sets in their bedrooms or kitchens. Overall, nearly 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals on February 17, 2009, if consumers do not make the transition to DTV.		  
6. What if I don't do anything? Will I still be able to keep watching TV? Top
  No. You will need a cable/satellite box or a digital converter box in order to utilize your analog television.  
7. What’s the difference between DTV, SDTV and HDTV? Top
  DTV (digital television) and HDTV (high-definition television) are referring to the type of broadcast; SDTV (standard definition television) is referring to the type of TV. DTV means that the broadcast is being sent out digitally. HDTV is a form of DTV and is the highest quality of broadcast today. SDTV allows you to receive and display a digital picture, but not HD.

There are many quality levels of digital television programming. The most common are:

Standard definition TV (SDTV) – SDTV is the basic level of quality display and resolution for both analog anddigital. Transmission of SDTV may be in either the traditional (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) format.

Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) – EDTV is a step up from Analog Television. EDTV comes in 480p widescreen (16:9) or traditional (4:3) format and provides better picture quality than SDTV, but not as high as HDTV.

High Definition TV (HDTV) – HDTV in widescreen format (16:9) provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. Combined with digitally enhanced sound technology, HDTV sets new standards for sound and picture quality in television.		  
8. I bought an HDTV. When I turn it on, I’m watching in HD, right? Top
  Maybe, but not usually. You must be able to receive an HD signal.

This can be done many ways; the most common are from your cable/satellite providers.

If you have a television with a digital tuner (sometimes referred to as an integrated DTV), you can watch free over-the-air digital broadcasts with the aid of a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” connected to the set.

Note: If you have a DTV monitor, you will need a digital or HD set-top box connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display over-the-air digital or HD programming. Confirm with your retailer that the set-top box is compatible with your monitor.		  
9. I don’t get cable or satellite. How do I get an HD signal? Top
  Local network stations can be received through an antenna at no cost.

With a good indoor or outdoor antenna, you will maximize your DTV reception. In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of antenna that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit antennaweb.org		  
10. Do I have to buy a new TV to watch in HD? Top
  Yes. If your TV is not currently HD, you would need to buy a new one. Remember, you can still get an adapter to make analog televisons work, but the signal will be converted from HD to analog.  
11. I’m not sure if my TV is digital. How can I find out? Top
  Your owner’s manual will be very specific about its capabilities.

Also, if you have an HDTV, it will be labeled that way on the front.

Many DTVs will have labels or markings indicating they contain digital tuners, including the phrases Integrated Digital Tuner, Digital Tuner Built-In, Digital Receiver, or Digital Tuner, DTV, ATSC, or HDTV (High Definition television). Look for these labels on your television or check your manual.

If your television set is labeled as a Digital Monitor or HDTV Monitor, or as Digital Ready or HDTV Ready, this does not mean it actually contains a digital tuner. Thus, you still will likely need a separate set-top box which contains a digital tuner in order to view over-the-air digital programming.

Over-the-air digital set-top boxes for digital or HD monitors can be purchased at retail stores. Cable and satellite TV providers also sell or lease digital set-top boxes for their specific services.

(Note: the digital set-top box described here is not the same as the digital-to-analog converter box used to convert free over-the-air digital broadcasts for viewing on an analog TV set.)		  
12. Will my analog TV still work after the switchover? Top
  Yes, as long as you get the adapter box that will be available as 2-17-09 draws nearer.

Note: Beginning in January 2008, coupons will be available to help cover the cost of the converter box. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA’s website or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).		  
13. Will my DVD player, VCR, video games etc. still work if I buy a DTV? Top
  Yes, all HDTVs are backwards compatible, meaning all of your old equipment will sill work as it always has. However, their video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product.

Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality when DTVs are used with existing analog equipment. Check with your retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.		  
14. What’s so great about HD anyway? Why is it better than standard definition? Top
  HDTV has approximately five times the picture quality. Many people have referred to it as looking through a window or even a 3-D appearance. The picture quality is profoundly better.  
15. What should I keep in mind when shopping for an HDTV? Top
  This is a great question. There are a lot of factors to be considered when buying a new TV, including:

Where is it going? On a wall, stand, bedroom, living room or rec room? Do you have a lot of light in that room?Different types of televisions do better in different lighting conditions.

What are you hooking up to it? Who is going to be using it? How are you getting your HD signal? Have the answers to these questions and seek out a store that can match your needs with the right product.

Be careful – there is a lot of poor information out there. For this type of investment, pick a store with professionally trained staff.		  
16. What should I do with a television or other electronics that I don’t use anymore? Top
  Don’t throw it out! Electronics contain toxic chemicals that can pollute waterways and land if they are thrown out with your regular trash. Instead, learn how to recycle your TV here.  
17. Glossary Top
  720p, 1080p, 1080i, 480i, 480p – The numbers refer to the number of lines a TV can display. A good example is a VCR, it has 200 lines. DVD has 480 lines. HD has 720 or 1080 lines. The “p” an “i” refers to either progressive or interlaced line. Analog televisions have always been interlaced, causing some blur or rougher picture. Progressive formats are how computers generate images, much cleaner.

Aspect ratio – This is the shape of your TV. Televisions will either be 4:3 or 16:9.

ATSC - This is the tuner built into HDTV’s for receiving local broadcasts.

DTV - Digital Television

HD - High Definition

HDMI (input) – High Definition Multi-Media Interface. This allows you to only use one cable to hook up your TV.

LCD Flat Panel – Liquid Crystal Display that can be hung on a wall.

Plasma – Flat panel television that can be hung on a wall(the best picture quality of all televisions).

Projection CRT - Cathode Ray Tube. These are the heavier and bulkier big screens.

Projection DLP - Digital Light Processing projection televisions are much lighter and thinner than CRT. They work off a lamp rather than a tube.

Projection LCD - Projection Liquid Crystal Display is another lamp-based TV, very similar to DLP.

SD - Standard Definition (analog)

USB - Universal Serial Bus. This is a shared connector found on most consumer electronics.

Viewing angle - The angle between you and your TV. Some televisions perform better than others when viewing from an angle.

S-video input – Super-Video, found on all DVD players and many other devices. This input cannot display HD.		  
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