With less than a month until the nationwide digital television (DTV) transition on June 12, many local broadcasters will be participating in coordinated DTV "soft tests" Thursday, May 21 to alert analog viewers who are unprepared for the impending transition.

A "soft test" simulates to some extent what unprepared viewers will experience when the DTV transition occurs.  The length of the interruptions will vary by station but generally will run between two and five minutes.  Digital broadcasts are available now and will not be interrupted by the soft tests. 

Please take a moment and review the following information so you know what steps you need to take, if any, for the DTV transition on June 12 and also to learn of its many benefits. 
 
What is DTV? 

Digital television, oftentimes referred to as DTV, is a new television technology that represents the most significant development in television since the advent of color television. DTV provides clearer pictures and sound that is far superior to traditional analog television. DTV technology also allows a broadcaster to offer a single program stream of high definition television (HDTV), or alternatively, multiple video program streams, also known as multicasts.

Why the transition?

Digital television uses radio spectrum more efficiently than analog television. By switching to digital broadcast streams, bandwidth is freed up for other uses. One of the reasons for the switch to digital-only broadcasts is to reclaim this spectrum so it can be used for better emergency communications for first responders. In addition, the transition also provides space for advanced wireless technologies, which will provide advanced broadband and communications services.  The new digital TV signals offers viewers higher quality video and sound, as well as the opportunity for broadcasters to offer new emerging technologies and services such as interactive TV and multicasting, which is the transmission of several program streams on one broadcast channel.

When is the transition?

June 12, 2009

Will the transition impact you?

If you receive all of your television service through cable, satellite, or other pay television services, the switch to digital will not affect you. Some newer television sets with built-in digital tuners will also receive the new signal without a problem. But for those with older television sets that use the traditional "rabbit ears" or rooftop antenna to pick up a signal, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. The digital converter boxes will be available at most electronic retail outlets.

Is there consumer assistance for the transition?

To assist consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.  Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. You will be able to request the coupons until March 2009. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost.

How do you receive your coupon?

There are five ways consumers may apply to NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) for converter box coupons:

1. ONLINE: Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov or https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

2. PHONE: Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

3. MAIL: Download a PDF of the application by clicking here (https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf). You can mail the application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-20004

4. FAX: Download a PDF or the application and fax to 1-877-388-4632

5. DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING CALLERS: Please call 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.

NTIA will provide consumers with a list of eligible converters and participating retailers when the coupons are mailed.

For more information:

www.dtv.gov - All you need to know about Digital Television

www.dtv2009.gov/ - DTV Converter Box Program

www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

www.dtv2009.gov/es/?olr=1 - En Español

www.dtvanswers.com - DTV Answers offers more information about television’s switch to digital, including resources to help choose an antenna, converter box details, videos, and more.

www.ceretailers.org - Visit the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition and download a special “Consumer Guide” on the DTV Transition.

www.dtv.gov - DTV related consumer resources, outreach tools, publications, news, and more can be found here.

www.dtvtransition.org - Take an online quiz to find out if you are ready for the DTV Transition or access an extensive list of online DTV resources.

www.digitaltips.org - A valuable resource provided by the Consumer Electronics Association, has a handy "Quick Start Guide" to install a TV Converter Box and other useful tools.

www.getreadyfordigitaltv.com - Useful information and television spots brought to you by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.

www.ncta.com - The National Cable & Telecommunications Association website.