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Digital Television Transition

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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. The clock above shows how many days remain until the transition occurs.

According to industry experts, Digital television (DTV) transition represents the most significant advancement of television technology since the introduction of color television in 1950.  Consumers have much to gain from this transition – more free channels, clearer pictures and sound.  The DTV transition will not directly affect everyone – those who have a digital tuner in their television, or subscribe to a cable or satellite service provider need not worry. Yet, 34 million households have at least one television that will be affected.  If these televisions are not upgraded, consumers risk losing reception.

Local leaders have an important role to play in DTV transition. Are your constituents ready?

Electronic Toolkit for Elected Officials
The National Association of Broadcasters created an electronic toolkit to help local officials get the message out and explain the DTV transition to constituents.  The toolkit contains:

Converter Box Coupons
A DTV converter box is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on analog televisions.  Converter boxes are available for purchase at most major electronic retailers.  To help cover the cost of converter boxes, the federal government is offering two converter box coupons, valued at $40 each to all U.S. household. 

Constituents may apply for coupons online, by phone, fax, or by US mail.  Coupon supplies are limited and expire 90 days after they are mailed.  Requests must be received by March 31, 2009.  Additional coupon information and applications are accessible from the electronic toolkit or the National Telecommunications & Information Administration.  Encourage your constituents to apply early for converter box coupons.

 
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.
  • The DTV Road Show (aka DTV bus) is a traveling exhibit hall that helps increase constituent awareness of the DTV transition in targeted areas with high proportions of broadcast-only households.
For more information, contact Vinnie Mascarenhas, Director of External Relations, National Association of Broadcasters, at 202-429-5358 or vmascarenhas@nab.org.

Related Articles
4/28/08 How To Prepare for DTV Transition - Nation's Cities Weekly
3/17/08 Commerce Secretary Reports Record Highs in US Tourism - Nation's Cities Weekly
1/7/08   Federal Government Offering Coupons to Ease TV Transition - Nation's Cities Weekly
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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