By law, all high-power TV stations are required to upgrade their broadcast

technology by February 17, 2009.

TV has evolved

This means they will stop sending analog television signals

and start exclusively sending

digital television (DTV) signals.

Making the Upgrade

DTV technology has many advantages over analog

technology.

Why is this happening?

Analog DTV

• traditional broadcast technology since TV first began• older, less efficient technology• ends February 17, 2009*

• innovative new broadcast technology• more efficient and flexible than analog• already available • will be the only way to send TV signals over the air starting in February 2009

Analog TV vs. Digital TV

*except low power stations and translators

• refers to the broadcast standard OR the TV set itself

• allows viewers to enjoy higher quality TV picture and sound

• offers more programming choices

• frees up airspace for use by emergency response personnel

• provides opportunities for viewers to interact with their TVs, using options such as on-screen program guides

Digital Television (DTV)

Good News!

Digital TV is here now

Your DTV How-To

Step 1: Am I ready for DTV?

• TVs connected to a pay service = should be ready (check with provider)

• TVs with built-in digital tuners = are ready

• TVs that receive a signal over the air and do not have built-in digital tuners =

not ready…yet

Am I ready for DTV?

Integrated digital tuner

Digital tuner

Digital receiver

DTV

ATSC

HDTV

Digital ready

Digital monitor

HDTV monitor

HDTV ready

Owner’s

Manual

How do I know if my TV already has a built-in digital tuner?

DTV ReadyNOT DTV Ready

Am I ready for DTV?

TV connected to pay service

TV with built in digital tuner

Older TV without digital tuner

Buy a new DTV

Sign up for a pay TV service

Install a converter box

Step 2: Choose an option

Before you buy a new digital TV, research your options.

Option 1: Buy a DTV

Option 2: Subscribe to a pay service

Option 3: Install a converter box

Converter Box Coupon Program

Converter Box Coupon Details

• Visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 to apply

• Coupons expire after 90 days

• Coupons are only good on select converter boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the differencebetween HDTV and DTV?

There are many types of digital TV.

HDTV, which stands for high definition TV, refers to

the high quality picture resolution.

When do I need to act?

Getting ready for DTV now will give you time to troubleshoot any

antenna or reception issues.

The shutoff of analog signals occurs at midnight on 2/17/09.

Can I recycle my TV?

Yes.

Visit www.mygreenelectronics.com

for more information

Will I still need an antenna?

If you currently rely on an antenna to get your TV signal, you will still need

one after February.

www.antennaweb.org

Where can I find more information?

pbs.org/dtv

Appendix

Converter Box How-To

Step 1: Unpack the box

You should find:

You may also find:

the box a coaxial cable a remote control w/batteriesthe instruction manual

a power cable;power supply;audio/video cables; and cable adaptors

Owner’s Manual

Step 2: Connect the converter

A) Disconnect your existing antenna by removing the coaxial cable from the “antenna in” jack on the back of your TV.

B) Connect that antenna cable to the “antenna in” jack on the back of the converter box.

B

Step 2: Connect the converter

C) Use the supplied coaxial cable to connect the “antenna out” jack on the converter to the “antenna in” jack on the TV.

D) Plug in the converter box power cable

E) Install the batteries in the remote control.

C

Step 3: Scan for Channels

A) Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3

B) Turn on the converter box.

C) Follow the directions to scan for channels.

D) Scan periodically to ensure you’re getting all available DTV stations.

Converter Box Troubleshooting

Consult your converter box manual for help specific to your converter box model.

You may need to adjust the direction of your antenna to maximize channel reception.

It’s possible to use DVD players and VCRs with a converter box. Consult the converter box manual for specific instructions.