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Television stations around the nation are beginning to transition from analog signals to broadcasting in the digital format.  By February 17, 2009 all full power television stations will have made the switch to digital and will begin to deliver higher quality pictures and sound and offer more programming choices.

 

Implementing this switch to all-digital broadcasting will free up our nation's spectrum and give much needed communications channels for police, fire and emergency rescue personnel. It will also allow for new wireless services for consumers. In addition, because digital is more efficient than analog, the transition to digital television (DTV) allows multicasting when stations broadcast several programs at the same time, instead of just one program with analog. This means broadcasters can offer consumers more choices.

 

However, it is important that all Georgians start preparing TODAY for this change in order to avoid sudden inconveniences once this switch takes effect.

 

It is important to know that the end of analog broadcasting does not mean Georgians must purchase new TVs, and you certainly don’t need an HDTV to watch digital broadcasts. However, you may need to take steps to prepare.  If you currently receive over-the-air programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, either through “rabbit ears” on your set or an antenna on your roof, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue watching broadcast television on that television after February 17, 2009. These boxes will cost approximately $40 to $70, and are available at most major electronic retailers.

 

To help defray the cost of digital-to-analog converter boxes, each U.S. household can request up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of eligible boxes. This coupon program is being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. For more information on the coupon program visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

 

If you watch over-the-air programming on a newer TV with a built-in digital tuner, you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box. Also, if you use an antenna to receive analog broadcasts, it should work for receiving digital broadcasts, both on a digital television and on an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box.

 

If you subscribe to a paid television service such as cable or satellite TV, you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box, and the TVs connected to your paid service will continue to receive local broadcast programming. However, Georgians are advised to check with their providers to see if they will need any additional equipment in the future.

 

For more information on the transition, please visit www.dtv.gov or call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322).