Is your classroom ready for the digital transition?

AFTER FEBRUARY 17, 2009, ALL FULL-SERVICE BROADCAST STATIONS will stop broadcasting analog signals and transmit digitally. What are your options if you have an analog TV in your classroom? Where can you get the coupons you’ve heard about for a converter box? Keep reading for answers. Digital television, often called DTV, provides a much higher quality picture. A digital receiver takes the signal—transmitted in bits and bytes just like computers use—and reproduces exactly what was sent, so there is no loss in clarity. You get a clearer, higher–quality picture and better sound, closer to what you experience in a movie theater. DTV is also a more efficient way to broadcast. This efficiency will free up airwaves for new services that could be used by police, firefighters, and emergency responders. These advantages led Congress to mandate the DTV Transition. Anyone who still uses analog TVs after February 2009 will need to act to ensure they can receive the digital signals. Following are answers to the most common questions.

Why is the DTV Transition occurring?
Congress mandated it in 2005. The reason for the mandate is that the digital system is far more flexible and efficient than its analog predecessor. Television stations will be able to broadcast better picture and sound, more channels, and even over-the-air, high-definition television (HDTV) for viewers with HD television sets. (Don’t confuse HDTV with DTV. See the explanations that follow.)

Will my TV still work?
If you have a digital television, you don’t need to do anything. To determine if your TV set has a built-in digital tuner, look on the set for an indication of an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner or check the manual from the TV manufacturer. Your television will function normally.

If you have an analog set, there are two ways to make your television work:

1. Subscribe to cable, satellite, or any other paid television service, and make sure your subscription includes local channels AND that all of your analog TVs are connected to that service. You may need new DTV equipment to view DTV programming in digital format. You should ask your service provider what you will need and when. Your service provider will do the work for you.
2. Connect your analog TV to a DTV converter box.

What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Digital TV converter boxes, available in many brands from retailers, cost from $50-80, but the federal government through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is providing each household up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the purchase of these boxes.

Simply call (888) DTV-2009 for a user-friendly automated system or go to on the Web to www.DTV2009.gov to order your plastic coupons that look like gift cards. For English/TTY deaf or hard-of-hearing persons, call (877) 530-2634. The coupons can be ordered anytime until March 31, 2009, but it typically takes four to 12 weeks, depending upon volume of calls, for the coupons to arrive, so plan ahead.

Where can I buy a digital converter box?
The good news is that the coupons come with a list of retailers in your area who sell the converter boxes, which are available at local and national retailers. You can purchase converter boxes at other retailers, but only retailers who are participating in the Coupon Program will be able to accept the coupons. National retailers participating in the program include Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart. You will need to purchase the box in the store in order to use your coupons, and coupons must be used within 90 days of their issue. Remember to call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes at the store on the day you plan to shop. There is still some confusion over the use of the coupon cards, so build some time into your shopping trip.

Can I still get free TV?
Yes, you can still pick up digital signals over the air free with an antenna as long as the television has an internal digital tuner or is connected to a DTV converter box. The box contains the digital tuner needed to translate the signal. You may even notice that you now receive several new channels and the quality of those channels is better.

Will I need a professional to install the converter box?
Probably not. The converters are easy to connect between your TV and antenna. The location of the antenna can greatly affect signal reception, so you may need to experiment with where you place your antenna. If your antenna works well for analog TV, it should work equally well for digital signals.

If I want to buy a new television, what should I look for?
Be sure the television has a built-in digital tuner or an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. Beware if the box says digital monitor. It may not contain the internal tuner needed to receive digital signals, and in that case, you would still need a converter. Also, there are still analog sets out there for sale. Just because it is new in the box does not mean it is a digital television. Retailers are required to attach a warning label to its analog TVs and accessories stating the technology would no longer work after February 2009, but there is still non-compliance. Reputable dealers will tell you the difference, so be sure to ask if the set is analog or digital.

Do I need an HDTV set?
You do not need a high-definition television (HDTV) to receive digital signals. These widescreen format sets will give you a superior picture, and they will allow you to receive programs recorded in high definition. However, they are far more expensive than regular DTVs.

What should I do with my old TV?
One television set can leak eight pounds of lead into the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, so if possible, recycle your set. Go online to www.mygreenelectronics.org or www.earth911.org and type in your zip code. A list of area recycling centers will come up with addresses and telephone numbers. You can also contact the U.S. Environmental Recycling Hotline at (800) 253-2687.

Get more answsers:

Antenna Web www.antennaweb.org
Information specific to antenna selection and placement from the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Using a good indoor or outdoor antenna will help maximize your over-the-air DTV reception.

After the transition, in most cases, the same antenna that currently gives you quality reception on your analog TV set will also give you good DTV reception.

TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Each family can receive up to two $40 coupons from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for use toward purchasing digital converters. Call (888) DTV-2009 or go online to www.DTV2009.gov. English/TTY deaf or hard-of-hearing persons can call (877) 530-2634. A list of local and national retailers is available online, along with a good FAQ section (frequently asked questions).

Federal Communications Commission www.dtv.gov
Everything about the transition from publications to a glossary, FAQ, and also an “Audio & Video” segment available in voice and American Sign Language. A useful “Transition Partners” link connects you to broadcasters, cable/satellite, and other digital broadcasting services as well as major TV and electronics manufacturers.

National Broadcasters Association www.dtvanswers.com
Offers an easy-to-use tutorial for your options based on the type of television you have in your house.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration www.ntia.doc.gov
Up-to-date information on the coupon program, converter applications for use by mail and fax, retailer listing, and more.