• What is DTV?
• When will things change?
• Why change TV signals in the first place? 
• What do I need to do?
• Where can I learn more?

WHAT IS DTV?

Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that offers lots of advantages over analog television, starting with better picture and sound quality. It also allows stations to telecast more programming using less of the broadcast spectrum.

With DTV, a broadcaster can provide several program channels using the same amount of bandwidth as one traditional analog channel—a process called multicasting. Instead of just having channel 7, for example, you now have channel 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3, each offering different programming. Cool, huh? In fact, many stations have already started broadcasting this way. So with the right equipment, you can get a clearer picture and multicast channels today in areas where they're available.* To watch these additional channels, you'll just need an antenna and a TV set with a built-in DTV tuner or converter box.

WHEN WILL THINGS CHANGE?

At midnight on February 17, 2009, full-power broadcasters will stop sending out conventional "analog" television signals. After that date, full-power broadcasters will broadcast 100% digital television (DTV) signals that can be received only by digital TVs or converters. Low power broadcasters may continue to transmit their analog signals.

WHY CHANGE TV SIGNALS IN THE FIRST PLACE?

In the 1990s, Congress saw the benefit of having TV stations make the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. Why? Well, the broadcast spectrum was getting crowded. To understand what that means, picture a radio that has a hundred stations between 97.1 and 97.3. On a radio like this, it would be really hard to tune in to the station you want. And if you wanted to start a radio station at 97.2, it would be really hard to find a space to broadcast without all the other stations drowning you out. The broadcast spectrum works in a similar way, and it's getting mighty crowded.

By converting all TV to DTV, Congress will free up parts (or "bands") of the broadcast spectrum, because a digital signal takes up less "space" than an analog signal. That means more room for public safety and emergency services like police, fire and medical. And more room for new services, like wireless.

So why the urgency? Mostly because public safety and emergency services need additional spectrum space. With increased security in mind, Congress established a "hard" DTV transition deadline that requires all full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasts on February 17, 2009. Already, more than 1,600 television stations throughout the United States are broadcasting digital programs.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

It all depends on the source of your television programming. Namely, whether you get your signal through an antenna, or from a cable or satellite TV company. So let's take a look at the three most common situations. 

YOU HAVE AN ANALOG TV AND USE AN ANTENNA
If you want to watch TV February 17, 2009, you'll need to purchase a digital converter box (sometimes referred to as a digital-to-analog converter box) to make it happen. You may also need a digital converter box for other analog-only devices you have—such as an analog-only VCR or DVD recorder.

Sound a little daunting? Don't worry! Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households who want 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, which can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes (one coupon per converter box). For more information, or to apply for a coupon, please see the Learn More section below.

Don’t go to static. Pick up a digital converter box at your local RadioShack.

Digital Stream Digital-to-Analog Converter with Analog Pass-Through Shop Now

YOU ALREADY HAVE AN HDTV OR DTV WITH A DIGITAL TUNER (ATSC) AND RECEIVE ONLY FREE TV PROGRAMMING OVER THE AIR
The only thing you may need is an antenna - either on your roof or a smaller version on your TV. You can learn more about purchasing the proper antenna for your area in the Learn More section below.

YOU HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO A CABLE OR SATELLITE PROVIDER, AND ALL YOUR TELEVISIONS RECEIVE PROGRAMMING FROM THEM
Good news: You shouldn't need to purchase additional equipment. Cable operators pick up most local broadcasts at a central location and send them to homes over cable. Satellite services are increasingly able to do this as well. Better yet, they'll probably continue to provide whatever local broadcast programming they currently provide, even after the big DTV change.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

You can check out the links below for more information about the DTV transition, the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and guides that will help you move your home entertainment system into the world of digital TV.

See how you can apply for TV converter box coupons.
TV Converter Box Coupon Program

Learn more about the change to DTV.
What you need to know about the DTV transition
Countdown to the DTV transition

Take a crash course in high-definition technology.
Discover the HDTV revolution

Determine which antenna you need to receive your local television broadcast channels.
Which antenna is right for me?

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