Questions and Answers about the Digital Transition.
Q1: What is the digital transition?
A1: The digital transition is a dramatic overhaul of the nation’s over-the-air television broadcasting system. The main event is that the way of sending TV signals over the airwaves is changing. It’s going from an old system known as “analog” broadcasting to a newer system known as “digital” broadcasting. The digital transition is when over-the-air TV stations will stop transmitting their programs in analog language, and will start transmitting them only in digital. Not just some TV stations, but every one. [back to top]
Q2: When you say “over-the-air TV stations,” what do you mean?
A2: Over-the-air TV stations are stations in your community that you can see whether you have cable or not. These typically include local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, or UPN affiliated stations, but may also include local stations that are not affiliated with a national network such as local religious or ethnic channels. [back to top]
Q3: Why is this important? (Why are you telling me about this?)
A3: When these over-the-air TV stations switch from analog to digital format, TVs that are unable to receive digital signals will go black. The TV sets will be on, but there will be no sound and no video. [back to top]
Q4: Will it impact Bright House Networks customers?
A4: Bright House Networks customers will not be affected by the digital transition as long as all of their TVs are plugged into our system. Bright House Networks already has the system in place to ensure that customers do not need to take any action. You will NOT need a retail Digital-to-Analog converter for any TV plugged into cable. [back to top]
Q5: Who is mandating this?
A5: The U.S. government, specifically the Federal Communications Commission, is mandating the digital transition.
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Q6: Why is it happening?
A6: Changing over to a digital format will reduce the amount of signal-capacity the nation’s TV broadcasting system uses. The extra capacity that’s freed up will be available to make important enhancements in the way first-responders such as police and fire departments react to emergencies. Also, changing to a digital broadcasting approach lets TV stations send clearer signals through the air. They can even use the new digital technologies to send high-definition TV (HDTV) signals through the air, and they can introduce new programs and channels, too. So there are some definite benefits to TV viewers from the digital transition. [back to top]
Q7: When will it occur?
A7: The digital transition will occur on February 17, 2009. [back to top]
Q8: What changes will occur on that day?
A8: On February 17, 2009 all television broadcasters will convert to a digital signal. When this happens, television viewers who use “rabbit ear” antennas for over-the-air signals will “go dark,” receiving no signal at all. The TV sets will be on, but there will be no sound and no video. [back to top]
Q9: Who will it affect?
A9: Viewers who use “rabbit ear” antennas for over-the-air signals will be affected. [back to top]
Q10: Who will not be affected by it?
A10: Customers who have a digital TV service provider, like Bright House Networks, or people who purchase a new digital TV capable of receiving the new signals or people who purchase a Digital-to-Analog converter for their non-digital TVs. [back to top]
Q11: What can those who will be affected by it do to make it through the digital transition with minimal impact and cost?
A11: Those affected will have three options for continuing to receive television programming: 1) Sign up for TV service from a provider like Bright House Networks, 2) Purchase a retail Digital-to-Analog converter for your TV to keep receiving local channels or 3) Buy a new digital TV that is capable of receiving digital programming. [back to top]
Q12: How will the nation’s TV-viewing public learn about the digital transition?
A12: The National Cable & Telecommunications Association launched a three- part consumer education campaign called Get Ready for Digital TV, including public service announcements for broadcast and cable that airs September 2007 – February 2009, an educational Web site www.getreadyfordigitaltv.com, and distribution of customer communication materials for cable systems. [back to top]
Q13: What measures are in place (or will be in place) to help low income consumers navigate through the digital transition?
A13: In addition to the consumer education campaign, which will be in both English and Spanish, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009. [back to top]
Q14: What is the contact information for consumers who may need financial help?
A14: 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon. [back to top]
Q15: Who should consumers call if they need technical help?
A15: For techincal help, consumers can use the connections guide on the Consumer Electronics Association web site, www.ceaconnectionsguide.com or send an email to cekh@cyberscholar.com or call the CEA’s customer service line at (866) 858-1555. [back to top]
