Information on the Switch to Digital Television
The federal government mandated that all television signals be switched from analog to digital format. This is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. After June 12, 2009, all full-power TV stations must broadcast in digital only.
Background
Not all TVs are affected by the switch to all-digital signals. Many newer TVs--both high definition and regular--continue to work as before the transition. However, many older TVs, VCRs, DVD players and related equipment may need new equipment to work properly.
Older TVs, whether box-style, flat-screen or plasma, may or may not be able to receive digital signals. To determine whether your TV, VCR or DVD player can receive digital signals, look for labels or statements in the device's user manuals indicating they contain digital tuners. These labels or markings may contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In," "Digital Receiver," "Digital Tuner," "DTV," "ATSC" or "HDTV." If your TV equipment contains any of these labels or markings, you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming.
If you can't find any labels on your TV, here are some general guidelines:
- If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably doesn't have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional analog set.
- If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-in digital tuner inside, but it's unlikely. Only a limited number of projection TVs (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.
- If you purchased a new TV since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner are good. Starting in 2004, many of the TVs sold feature digital tuners that will work after the DTV transition. It is still important to check your TV's labels and user manual, however, because some newer TVs lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts. Usually these have been advertised as "HD-ready" or "HDTV monitor" sets. That means they can display digital and high-definition signals, but need help getting those signals in the first place. You'll still need a digital converter box or a cable/satellite TV connection.
What to Expect
If you have an analog TV and receive TV signals through an antenna, you will need to get a digital converter box or subscribe to a cable or satellite service to view that signal after June 12, 2009. A converter box converts digital transmission to analog so your analog TV will continue to receive TV broadcasts.
If you do not take one of these steps, you will still be able to use the TV to play video games or watch movies from a connected VCR or DVD player. VCRs and DVD players may lose some functions after the switch if they have analog tuners and are not connected to a converter box, cable or satellite. You will still be able to play videos, but may not be able to record TV programs.
Your TV does not have to be high definition to receive digital signals. High definition (HD) is one form of digital TV, but there are digital signals that are not HD. As long as your TV has a digital tuner or digital converter box, it can receive digital signals.
What You Can Do
If you have an analog TV or VCR/DVD player with an analog tuner and do not have cable or satellite reception, you can purchase a converter box to be able to convert digital signals to show up on your analog TV, VCR or DVD player. The federal government has been providing coupons [exit DNR] worth $40 each, two per household, toward the purchase of a converter box, which will likely cost between $50 and $70. Please note that there may be a waiting list to get coupons.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star program has a page to help you find an energy-efficient digital converter box [exit DNR].
| TV tuner: | Get programs from: | Need by the digital switchover: |
|---|---|---|
| Analog | Over-the-air | Analog-to-digital converter box |
| Analog | Cable or satellite | Contact your provider to see if you are receiving digital signals through your cable box or satellite. If so, you won't need a converter box. |
| Digital | Over-the-air | Nothing |
| Digital | Cable or satellite | You should have no problem with your signal, but may want to contact your provider to be sure your equipment is up-to-date. |
Recycle old electronics if you no longer use them. For Wisconsin households, recycling electronics is encouraged; for businesses, it is required by law. Find out more about electronics recycling.
More Information
Related Links
- To find an electronics recycler, visit How Do I Handle my Computers and Other Electronics?.
- The DNR Television Recycling Media Kit provides fast facts, quotes and other resources for reporters and media outlets.
Related Sites
- Countdown to the DTV Transition [exit DNR], sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission. This site contains information geared to consumers, government agencies and community groups and the press. It also has information in Spanish.
- Digital Television Transition and Public Safety [exit DNR], sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This federal agency is in charge of the converter box coupon program. Online brochures are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.
- DTV Transition [exit DNR], sponsored by the DTV Transition Coalition. This site contains information about the transition as well as instructions for setting up a converter box.
- The U.S. EPA [exit DNR] has information about the transition, TV recycling and finding energy-efficient TVs if you choose to purchase new equipment.
- DTV Answers [exit DNR] provides details about the switch to DTV. This site is sponsored by National Association of Broadcasters.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Murray
(608) 264-6001
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