DTV Guide for Procrastinators

As of Dec. 2008, approximately 7 million U.S. households still need to convert to Digital Television (also known as DTV). If one or all of your TVs are not equipped to watch DTV signals, you will run the risk of not being able to watch television broadcasts after the Digital Transiton.

What and when is the Digital Transition?
All full-power television stations will stop broadcasting analog television signals, and switch to digital only broadcasts after February 17th, 2009. This “switch”, is defined as the Digital Transition.

Who does the digital transition affect?
Analog television sets that are not connected to cable or satellite service, and receive television broadcasts with an antenna, will need a DTV converter box to continue receiving DTV signals after February 17th, 2009.

What is consdered an ”Analog Television Set”?
Reference your TV manual for the words NTSC or NTSC tuner, which means National Television System Committee. If you have an NTSC tuner, you will need a DTV converter box to view DTV signals. If your manual designates your TV as containing an ATSC tuner (Advanced Television Systems Committee), you own a digital television set capapable of receiving DTV signals, and will not need a converter box.

What if you don’t have your TV Manual?
Visit our guide: How do I know if I have a Digital TV or alternatively you can register at our Digital TV Forum and post the manufacture and model number of your television set for us to research.

If you need a DTV Converter Box, Apply and Use a DTV Coupon
The U.S. Government is providing assistance in the form of $40 TV Converter Box Coupons to help with purchasing up to two converter boxes. Visit here for info on how to apply for DTV Coupons. For a list of retailers approved to accept DTV Coupons with purchase of a converter box, visit the Government’s: Locate a Converter Box Retailer Near You

Which DTV Converter Box should I Buy?
Here are a few sites you can reference for converter box reviews and comparisons:

Converter Box Reviews, Ratings, and Comparisos at DTV USA Forum

Which (nearly) free DTV converter box should I buy? at CNET

DTV Converer Boxes Ratings at Consumer Reports

Do I need an Antenna for DTV?
Yes. If you own a set of rabbit ears, try connecting them to your converter box.

You can also use your existing roof mounted antenna to connect to your DTV conerter box.

If you still receive the “Weak Signal” or “No Signal” message, you may want to upgrade to a powered indoor or outdoor antenna capable of UHF and VHF, DTV signal reception. For more information on how to troubleshoot or improve your DTV reception, visit the following DTV antenna resources:

Maximize your television reception at antennaweb.org

DTV Reception at DTV USA Forum

Choosing an Antena at DTV Answers

DTV Converter Box Installation Videos and Help Resources:
The following videos are from YouTube, and show the basic installation of a conveter box on a TV set with an RF (coax) connection input. Video 1 shows a converter box installaion to TV . Video 2 shows how to connect a converter box to a VCR and TV.