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.  Click here for more information

 

• 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.