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Digital Television Is Here!
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all television stations to stop analog broadcasts and switch to digital broadcasts after February 17, 2009. However, the DTV Delay Act, passed by Congress on February 4, 2009, pushed the transition back four months to June 12, 2009.
One way for households to receive digital signals on analog televisions is to use a DTV converter box, available for purchase at most major electronics retailers. To help cover the cost of converter boxes, the federal government offers converter box coupons, valued at $40, to all U.S. households.
Federal Government Coupon Program
In April 2009, The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA),
the federal agency administering the Digital TV Converter Box Coupon
Program cleared the waiting list for coupons and began accepting
applications again for new coupons, as well as applications to replace any
unredeemed, expired coupons.
These changes were made possible through the $650 million in funding
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law
on February 17. The DTV Delay Act extends the deadline for households to receive coupons until July 31 and makes it possible for consumers holding expired converter box coupons to reapply for new coupons. The coupon expiration date is extended until September 15. Under the new legislation, the federal government can also now send coupons to applicants either electronically or via first-class mail.
Constituents who have not yet ordered their coupons should consider one of the following actions to ensure at least one analog TV in the home will receive a digital signal.
- Buy a converter box, with or without a $40 coupon, and connect it to the household's primary TV.
Boxes typically cost between $40 and $80.
- Buy a TV with a digital tuner.
- Sign-up for cable, satellite or another pay service.
Digital Television Transition Guide for Elected Officials
Here are a few simple things that local governments can do to help constituents transition to DTV:
- Form partnerships with community-based organizations to establish coupon donation programs. Direct tie-ins with community groups that target underserved populations can ensure that all have access to a digital signal by the transition.
- Add DTV transition information to your city’s local 311 Hotline. The FCC can provide a sample script.
- Distribute materials in libraries and community centers and include information in local utility bills.
City officials can request brochures, fliers and other transition materials in 20 languages from the (FCC).
Wilmington, NC Transitions Early
On September 8, 2008, Wilmington, NC permanently switched off their analog signals and began broadcasting in an all-digital format. During the Wilmington test, the FCC reported the number of calls were in the hundreds and that most calls were from people who needed help hooking up or programming their new converter boxes. Nationwide "Soft Test"
The FCC conducted a nationwide “soft test” on May 21, 2009 during which more than 125 broadcasters interrupted regular programming for viewers still using analog signals. The interruption simulated what unprepared viewers will experience when the transition actually occurs. Unprepared viewers were prompted to contact the FCC call center or visit the DTV website for help with their transition.
The FCC reported the “soft test” prompted a record 55,000 inquiries to the call center. Most consumers had concerns regarding reception issues, installation of their digital converter boxes and sought information about the converter box coupon program.
DTV Community Resources
The National Association of Broadcasters can provide DTV resources to educate constituents in your cities and towns about the upcoming digital transition.
- The DTV Speakers Bureau can provide a speaker at your next local event at no cost.
- Federal Communications Commission: www.dtv.gov or 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration Converter Box Coupon Program:
https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
The information is compiled from the DTV Coalition which is comprised of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB); the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the Department of Commerce, and others.
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