KEEPING TELEVISION FREE IN THE ALL-DIGITAL AGE

Confusion over a new federal law has prompted many Nebraskans to question whether or not they will lose access to free TV next year. The good news is that TV will stay free – the law may have changed but free TV will remain.

BIGGEST CHANGE SINCE COLOR TV

This is the biggest change in broadcast TV since the advent of color. The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires TV stations to cease broadcasting analog signals effective February 17, 2009, which means analog sets that use rooftop or rabbit ear antennas will no longer be able to get a picture.

While digital TV offers better quality and more channels, the change was ordered to free up valuable analog airwaves for other purposes. Some channels will be auctioned for commercial wireless phone and internet services, and some will be used for improved interoperable communications for first responders.

OLDER TV SETS WILL STILL WORK

Analog TV sets look different than the sleek, flat Hi Definition and digital sets of today and they can’t make the technological leap without some help from a special converter box that plugs into the set to change the digital signal back to analog.

If you have a digital TV set or if you have an analog set but receive programming through cable or satellite service there is no need for a converter box and nothing will change for you when the switch to digital happens.

Many people don’t have cable or satellite. The Federal Communications Commission estimates 14 percent of U.S. households – 15.5 million homes – use antennas. Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters estimates that 40 to 80 million homes that have cable or satellite also have other TV sets that aren’t connected to those services and continue to use antennas.

ANALOG SETS WILL NEED CONVERTER BOXES

Congress was aware that many people use antennas so $1.5 billion was included to help consumers cover the cost for converter boxes to make sure you continue to get free TV.

Each household is eligible for two $40 coupons, regardless of whether it has cable or satellite service, but after a period of time the coupons will be limited only to households that rely solely on antennas. They expire after 90 days and will be available until March 31, 2009.

HOW TO GET YOUR FREE $40 COUPONS

You may apply by telephone, in writing, by fax, or on-line. The toll free telephone number is 1-888-DTV-2009. The address to request an application is DTV Converter, P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208, or you may request a form by sending a fax to 1-877-DTV-4ME2, or on line at www.dtv2009.gov. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration should begin mailing coupons Feb. 17, when it expects retailers to have converter boxes in stock.

You can also receive more information about the DTV transition on my website: www.bennelson.senate.gov.

I hope this column is helpful in informing Nebraskans about the revolutionary changes that are ahead. Judging by some of the calls I have received and a recent survey by the Association of Public Television Stations that found only 51 percent of Americans were aware of the switch to digital, I wanted to do my part to inform the public because no one should lose access to free TV.

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	Column	February 11, 2008
KEEPING TELEVISION FREE IN THE ALL-DIGITAL AGE Confusion over a new federal law has prompted many Nebraskans to question whether or not they will lose access to free TV next year. The good news is that TV will stay free – the law may have changed but free TV will remain. BIGGEST CHANGE SINCE COLOR TV This is the biggest change in broadcast TV since the advent of color. The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires TV stations to cease broadcasting analog signals effective February 17, 2009, which means analog sets that use rooftop or rabbit ear antennas will no longer be able to get a picture. While digital TV offers better quality and more channels, the change was ordered to free up valuable analog airwaves for other purposes. Some channels will be auctioned for commercial wireless phone and internet services, and some will be used for improved interoperable communications for first responders. OLDER TV SETS WILL STILL WORK Analog TV sets look different than the sleek, flat Hi Definition and digital sets of today and they can’t make the technological leap without some help from a special converter box that plugs into the set to change the digital signal back to analog. If you have a digital TV set or if you have an analog set but receive programming through cable or satellite service there is no need for a converter box and nothing will change for you when the switch to digital happens. Many people don’t have cable or satellite. The Federal Communications Commission estimates 14 percent of U.S. households – 15.5 million homes – use antennas. Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters estimates that 40 to 80 million homes that have cable or satellite also have other TV sets that aren’t connected to those services and continue to use antennas. ANALOG SETS WILL NEED CONVERTER BOXES Congress was aware that many people use antennas so $1.5 billion was included to help consumers cover the cost for converter boxes to make sure you continue to get free TV. Each household is eligible for two $40 coupons, regardless of whether it has cable or satellite service, but after a period of time the coupons will be limited only to households that rely solely on antennas. They expire after 90 days and will be available until March 31, 2009. HOW TO GET YOUR FREE $40 COUPONS You may apply by telephone, in writing, by fax, or on-line. The toll free telephone number is 1-888-DTV-2009. The address to request an application is DTV Converter, P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208, or you may request a form by sending a fax to 1-877-DTV-4ME2, or on line at www.dtv2009.gov. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration should begin mailing coupons Feb. 17, when it expects retailers to have converter boxes in stock. You can also receive more information about the DTV transition on my website: www.bennelson.senate.gov. I hope this column is helpful in informing Nebraskans about the revolutionary changes that are ahead. Judging by some of the calls I have received and a recent survey by the Association of Public Television Stations that found only 51 percent of Americans were aware of the switch to digital, I wanted to do my part to inform the public because no one should lose access to free TV. ###