How to get ready for TV’s D-Day

D-Day is getting closer. We’re talking about Feb. 17, 2009 when all full-power television stations in the U.S. make the switch to Digital Television and millions of consumers who rely exclusively on over-the-air television signals will lose their reception unless they take the necessary steps to receive a digital signal.

Those steps are simple. Over-the-air TV viewers - meaning those who get their recption via rabbit ears or an outside antenna - either have to purchase a DTV converter box or a brand new digital TV set, or they have to subscribe to cable, satellite or other telephone company video service to begin viewing digital television now.

How many people watch TV over-the-air? Exact statistics are unknown. The best estimate comes from a 2005 General Accounting Office survey that estimated that up to 19 percent, or roughly 21 million American households, relied exclusively on free over-the-air television.

So far, it looks like the public is getting the message. The National Association of Broadcasters says a recent survey it commissioned showed that 90 percent—of the American public is aware of the upcoming transition. The survey also reported that 64 percent of over-the-air households have already taken action to prepare by learning about or applying for up to two $40 TV converter box coupons, as well as shopping for a DTV converter box.

You can get those coupons through the www.dtv2009.gov website or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009. It will let you save $40 on the price of a converter box, which simply hooks up between your antenna and the TV. I’m seeing lots of those boxes in stores, ranging in price from $40 to $75 or so.

Again, TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a TV converter box to receive programs after February 17, 2009. They already get a digital signal from the cable or satellite box.

Why is all this happening? While it is true that the transition is giving a big boost to the electronics industry because a lot of people are buying new TVs, there are two big reasons.

First, explains the DTV Transition coalition on its website, digital technology allows the transmission of pictures with higher resolution for dramatically better picture and sound quality than currently available. DTV also allows the transmission of several TV programs at once - called “multicasting.” DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with “analog” technology.

For advertisers, broadcasters that means more revenue streams in the future. For consumers, more choices.

But probably the biggest reason for the DTV switch is is that the switch will free up scarce and valuable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services, notes the coalition. “This is possible because the improved technology of DTV is more efficient than analog TV technology, allowing for many new and critical uses of this very limited resource,” it says.

Got more questions? Here’s some material directly from the coalition website at www.dtvtransition.org:

What is the difference between integrated DTVs and DTV monitors?
An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in DTV receiver. If you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you won’t need any additional equipment, with the exception of an antenna to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming. Integrated TVs can usually receive and display current analog signals.

In contrast, a DTV-Ready monitor isn’t capable of receiving over-the-air DTV broadcast programming without additional equipment. A DTV set-top decoder must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display over-the-air DTV programming.

Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top decoder is compatible with the DTV monitor that you’re purchasing. Most monitors have a built in analog receiver and can display regular analog TV programming. They can also display standard resolution video from DVD players and VCRs.

What do DTV sets look like and what will they cost?
Most DTV sets have wider, more rectangular screens than current analog TVs. This widescreen format allows for images that are more like those shown in a movie theater. Like current TV sets, a range of sizes is available.

As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction. Prices are expected to continue to decrease over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?
In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. If you now need a roof-top antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV. For specific information on using an antenna to receive local television broadcast channels visit www.antennaweb.org.

Do I already have DTV via digital cable or satellite?
You may have DTV if you subscribe to the digital package and get digital programming. But, digital cable and satellite service aren’t necessarily “DTV.” Your cable or satellite system may be using digital technology as a more efficient way of delivering programming to your analog TV set. If you have an analog television set, then you aren’t viewing true DTV, even though the signal you’re watching may be somewhat improved. In order to view true DTV and enjoy all the attributes of digital television service, you must view television signals on a new DTV set.

Similarly, in order to view programs in high-definition (HDTV), you must be equipped with a TV set capable of displaying pictures in high-definition. Your cable or satellite set-top box or the CableCARD from your cable company must provide HDTV channels. Otherwise, you must have an antenna that can receive digital HDTV signals over the air. Check with your cable or satellite provider if you have questions about your service.

What about my VCR, DVD player and camcorder? Will I be able to use them with an HDTV or DTV set?
HDTV and DTV sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets, but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.

Are DTV and HDTV the same thing?
No. HDTV, or high-definition television, is the highest quality digital television (DTV) available, offering more than five times the sharpness of today’s analog television, along with digital surround sound capability. DTV is also available as EDTV (enhanced definition TV) or SDTV (standard definition TV), each with improved pictures and sound over today’s analog televisions.