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.
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