Factoid of the Month
Big changes are in store for Idaho’s broadcast television viewers in 2009...
On February 17, 2009 all full-power television stations in the United States will cease to broadcast in the familiar analog format. The current analog signal will be replaced by a digital signal that will provide higher quality images and sound as well as greater capacity for broadcasters to transmit information, programming, and music to viewers. This transition was mandated by Congress in an effort to free the valuable analog broadcast spectrum for expanded emergency communications and the increased consumer use of wireless and cellular communications devices.
The February 2009 conversion is not likely to affect Idahoans who receive their television programming from cable or satellite. Those viewers who rely on cable or satellite television should continue to receive all their familiar programming, including local network channels, but are encouraged to check with their cable or satellite provider.
Viewers who receive their television signal “free” or “over the air” and do not already own a television with a built-in digital tuner will need to purchase a digital convertor box for each television in their home. Without a convertor box televisions that rely on broadcast transmission will not receive any television signals after February 17, 2009.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering a coupon program for the purchase of convertor boxes. Each household is entitled to coupons for up to two convertor boxes. Details on this program and an application for the coupons are available at www.dtv2009.gov. Each digital convertor coupon will be good for $40 toward the purchase of a convertor.
With a digital convertor viewers will be able to continue to use their older television sets and antenna to receive the new digital television signal. Broadcast TV viewers are encouraged to apply for a convertor coupon soon, as there is a limited supply. Convertors are available at a number of large national retailers and via a variety of online vendors listed at the NTIA web page.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has created a user-friendly web page at www.dtv.gov to address questions about the transition to digital television.