Are you ready for DTV?
DTV 2009 Countdown - On February 17th, 2009, All over-the-air television stations have been mandated by the U.S. government to broadcast digital only television signals.
U.S. households may be eligible to request up to two converter box coupons, worth $40 each, which can be applied toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Get started here to begin learning about DTV today.
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(Almost 100 articles of answered emails and questions)
for your DTV answers here
10 things you need to know about the DTV (Digital Television) Transition
This list is arranged in matter of the most visited pages on TVConversionhelp and most frequently emailed questions. Want to add to this list or ask a question? Hit the comment text at the top of this post and add your input. No registration or email address is required.
- 1. When is the Transition to Digital TV going to occur?
The transition to Digital is currently scheduled for February 17th, 2009. - 2. What does DTV mean?
Digital television (DTV) is a type of technology that allows broadcasters to broadcast higher quality of pictures and sound to your television. This upgrade will also allow for more programming and information services such as on demand TV Guides with a press of a button.
- 3. I have Cable or Satellite service, what do I need to upgrade to Digital Television?
The best answer to this question at this time is to check with your cable or satellite TV provider. Before you get on the phone with them, be sure to prepare your questions before hand. You may want to ask them: - Do I have the proper equipment to receive Digital Television?
- If I don’t have the proper equipment, what is (Insert name of Cable or Satellite Company) going to do about the digital transition in February 2009.
- Are there any extra charges associated with upgrading to digital television? (There shouldn’t be any charges from your cable or satellite provider, although some previous news articles on TVConversionhelp in the past have shown otherwise)
- 4. I just received my TV Converter Box, How do I install it?
Visit the DTV coalition’s site for pictures and step by step installation instructions. - 5. Where can I find the lowest cost step by step instructions for upgrading my old TV to be able to receive DTV signals?
Click here - 6. What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and how do I get a coupon?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program. Apply Online - 7. Is there a government phone number or Website available to the public?
You can call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.DTV.gov. - 8. What are my options for purchasing a Converter Box with my government coupon?
TVConversionhelp is currently working on this list. Check back soon, this list will be updated often. Currently, the following stores are selling Digital Converter Boxes for sale:Walmart
Circuit City
Radioshack
Best Buy - 9. Is DTV the same as HDTV?
No. Digital Television and high definition programming are not the same. If you want to watch HDTV programming, you will need to purchase an HDTV set. You may also need a set-top box or other equipment to view HDTV programming. - 10. Can I hook up more than one TV to a single digital-to-analog converter box?
You will be able to hook up only one TV set to each digital-to-analog converter box. TVConversionhelp recommends ordering the maximum (2) Converter Box Coupon’s from the government. Even if you only have (1) TV set that will need to be converted to DTV before February 17th, 2009, the government is offering the coupon program for a limited time, make sure you’re covered in case you ever purchase a second TV that might need a converter box.
DTV News: FCC relaxes rules on Digital Television for retailers
Source: Consumer Affairs
In a move backwards for the consumer, The FCC agreed last week to limit the number of devices that would require stickers notifying customers that they would need a converter set-top box to ensure that they could continue to receive television signals over the air. In other words, certain manufactures and retailers are excluded from having to notify customers that the TV they’re purchasing, is not ready for the Digital transition, and will still need a set top converter box.
Consumer Complaints
Many consumers have levied complaints that retailers are failing to inform consumers about what to do to prepare for the transition, and that the equipment being sold has been falsely advertised as “Digital Ready” without having the proper equipment to receive digital signals. See a previous report from TVConversiohelp on fines against major retailers for failing to inform customers.
Research Report charges that Urban City’s may have bad reception for DTV Signals
Also in the article, a report from a market research firm Centris has found that there will be some “Challenged Areas” for reception of Digital Television signals. Urban areas such as New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., were the key areas that were listed. The report mentioned that consumers in these areas may have to upgrade their existing antenna to be able to receive digital channels more clearly and also receive the full range of channels available.
Deals: Retailers lowering prices on DTV/HDTV’s
For anyone thinking about upgrading their TV, Amazon has knocked $400.00 off of Samsung’s 40″ LN-T4061F LCD. It delivers the full brilliance of HDTV with décor-enhancing style and industry-leading value. Some notable Specs of interest:
1080p resolution
16-bit processing
10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
Three HDMI ports, USB 2.0 and full connectivity lets you add DVDs, camcorders, PCs and a range of other digital devices; HDMI-CEC capability lets you control some other devices with one remote.
Also this week, a full HDTV resolution (1080P) in a 52-inch flat-panel LCD, Samsung’s 2007 model LNT5265F is a good choice. The unit 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for rich blacks and subltle tecture display, an 8ms response time panel for smooth motion, hidden side speakers, an NTSC (Digital) tuner, and 3 HDMI ports.
DTV News: Coupon Program may be expanded
The digital coupon program provided by the goverment to help owners of analog TV’s switch to digital may be expanded. Currently, only home owners are elgible for the coupon. This excludes nursing home occupants and homeowner’s with a post office box mailing address.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will be holding a hearing soon on the matter.
Weekly Deal Watch: DTV (and HDTV) Antenna’s
A lot of viewers of TVConversionhelp.com have asked whether or not an indoor or outdoor antenna is appropriate for receiving DTV and HDTV signals. Digital TV is certainly more “picky” about signal quality than the older analog signals. So, if your existing analog service requires that you use an indoor/bunny ears or an outdoor antenna pole type of connection, you may want to consider upgrading.
This week’s product recommendation consists of two different products. An indoor Antenna (Manufactured by Terk) for most City DTV/HDTV Viewers, and an outdoor antenna (Manufactured by Antennas Direct) for some city and rural DTV/HDTV viewers. The outdoor Antenna is actually a dual function indoor/outdoor due to its small size, wich can be easily mounted in an attic or on hidden behind a TV stand.
DTV News: Move to digital TV may be costly to some cable customers
Source: Seattle Pi Online
A story from Seattle Pi Online today gives a small glimpse into upcoming ethical issues and the Digital Transition (scheduled to occur on February 17th, 2009).
Cable providers in Florida are charging customers costly fee’s to rent digital converter boxes. In one particular instance, a 63 year old customer was quoted $5.95 per month for the conerter box, per television set, plus $60 for a service call to install it. With five televisions in her home, the conversion would increase her bill by 75 percent.
Although the government is providing assitance to consumers by alloting 2 digital converter box coupon’s per customer, these coupons are only good for “over the air” converter boxes, and not cable digital converter boxes.
DTV News: Lawsuit Could Increase Cost of Digital TV
Source: Associated Press
Patent lawsuits could hamper the government’s $1.5 billion effort to make the transition to digital television more affordable to consumers according to a recent Associated Press article.
A company by the name of Rembrandt Inc. owns patents on technology it claims that is part of the new digital TV standard being broadcasted by network stations in America.
The AP reports that if the lawsuits filed by Rembrant are successful, the costs would most likely be passed on to the consumer.
Rembrandt is also suing 14 companies, including Walt Disney Co.’s ABC, General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal, CBS Corp. and News Corp.’s Fox Broadcasting for patent infringement and wants millions of dollars in royalties.
