WGBH | Digital TV Deadline

In February 2009, the biggest change in broadcasting transmission since the 1953 advent of color TV will take place. WGBH — along with every television station across America, as mandated by federal law — will stop transmitting traditional analog signals and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format (DTV).

Most WGBH viewers already subscribe to cable or satellite services and may not need to worry about the change. But if you have any TV sets that are not connected to cable or satellite (say, in your kitchen or children's rooms) or do not have a built-in digital tuner (newer sets should), you will need a converter box on each of those sets to continue receiving free, over-the-air TV programs once the transition occurs on Feb. 17, 2009. Otherwise, you will need to purchase new sets or connect those sets to cable or satellite. Put simply, if you are using a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" on any TV set, you will have to take action to watch TV.

Below are information and links to help prepare you for the DTV transition, and to ensure you don't miss out on your favorite TV programs. Keep in mind that you don't have to wait until next February. WGBH and other stations are already broadcasting in digital format (in addition to our analog transmissions), so you can begin viewing digital TV as soon as you make the switch.

The Basics
Currently, most over-the-air TV stations broadcast in both analog and digital TV (DTV) formats. After Feb. 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power TV stations broadcast exclusively in digital; this will free up frequencies for police, fire, and emergency rescue communications while at the same time allowing broadcasters to offer more programs with better picture and sound quality.

The DTV transition will affect anyone who watches free over-the-air TV programs (through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears") on older TV sets. Cable and satellite subscribers should not be affected unless they have extra TVs in the home that are NOT hooked up to their paid subscription service.

If you watch over-the-air programs on any analog TV in your home, you must take action before Feb. 17, 2009. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) presents three options:

1. Connect your TV to a digital-to-analog converter box. These devices, available in retail stores as of early 2008, convert digital broadcast signals into a format that your analog TV can display. They are expected to carry a one-time cost of $50–$70. To help offset this cost, the US government is offering consumers as many as two $40 coupons per household; each coupon is valid toward the purchase of a single converter box. To request coupons, or for more information on this program, visit dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Or...

2. Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner). Any new TV sold after May 2007 must come equipped with a digital tuner or be clearly marked with a disclosure notice if it does not. In addition, many TVs sold as early as 2004 — especially 42-inch models or larger — have digital tuners built in. Remember that you do not need to buy a high-definition TV (HDTV) in order to enjoy digital broadcast television. Or...

3. Subscribe to a paid TV service. If you subscribe to a paid service such as cable or satellite TV, you should contact your provider to see what, if any, new equipment you may need. Remember that you will need a digital-to-analog converter box for any analog TV in your home not connected to your paid TV service.

(Please note: If you use an antenna, you will still need it to pick up digital broadcast signals — even with a converter box or digital television. In most cases, you won't need a new antenna, so don't throw away that old antenna just yet!)

Helpful Links

Download this PDF flyer for a brief summary of the digital TV deadline and some helpful FAQs. (You will need Adobe Reader, available for free download, to view the PDF.)
DTV2009.gov offers information about the US government's TV Converter Box Coupon Program in multiple languages, as well as the online application form for the coupon.
Consumer Reports produced this five-minute video explaining the digital TV switchover.
DTV.gov is the FCC's official site regarding the digital TV transition, with frequently asked questions and informational brochures available in many languages.
DTVtransition.org hosts many helpful resources, including an online quiz to test whether you're ready for the transition. You can also download a quick-start guide to installing your converter box.
Analog TVs still can be used for games and home video, if so equipped. Should you decide to dispose of your old set, check with your local recycling program and your TV's manufacturer to ensure proper disposal. The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice.
Do you or someone you know rely on TV captioning or video description? WGBH has information about how the DTV transition affects those vital services for viewers with vision or hearing disabilities at DTVaccess.org.
WGBH is here to help, with useful information and timely email updates so that you can continue to receive and enjoy free, over-the-air television after February 2009. Sign up here, and we'll keep you posted. You can also call us at 617-300-5400, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, with any questions or comments.