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Digital TV Transition


Last updated: February 23, 2009



Update

The Digital Television Transition has been moved to June 12, 2009. With the postponed deadline, an estimated 6.5 million American households will have additional time to prepare for the transition to an all-digital system.

Some TV Stations in the US decided to transition from analog to digital broadcasting on or before February 17th. The remaining stations will transition from analog to digital broadcasting between March 14th and June 12th.

View a list of stations that have already made the transition to digital.

Passage of the DTV Delay Act does not change the operation of the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program. However, the DTV Delay Act will allow the Coupon Program, upon request, to offer replacement coupons for those that have expired without being redeemed.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which provides funds that will enable National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to fulfill coupon requests on the waiting list.US households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.

Get additional information and updates on the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program.

 

 

DTV Flier

This ALA-created image is perfect for posting in your library, answering the most basic of questions. Right-click to download.


Households without a coupon or on the waiting list are encouraged to take action to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the transition. Consider one of the following options:
  • Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes cost in-between $50 - $80 and are available for purchase.
  • Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service. Check with your service provider to be sure you won't be affected.

  • Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.

Why is the DTV Transition important to librarians?

As with all consumer and government issues, many patrons will be coming into the library looking for information and assistance with the DTV transition. This help might take several forms -- from assistance in using public access terminals to apply for the converter box coupon, or answering questions about why the transition is happening. ALA is working closely with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Digital Television (DTV) Transition Coalition (DTV Answers) to get information and assistance to libraries in a timely manner.

Additionally, ALA Washington Office has offered several tools for librarians to better educate themselves and their patrons:

Check out the DTV  Toolkit created by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and keep an eye on this website and on the District Dispatch blog for more updates.

PBS Resources For Librarians

pbs logo
As the Digital Television (DTV) deadline of June 12, 2009 draws closer, PBS has embarked on the second phase of viewer outreach to help people successfully navigate America’s conversion to digital television.  The three main components of these efforts are:
  • the relaunch of PBS’ online resource center, pbs.org/dtv;

  • a 30-minute special from PBS and THIS OLD HOUSE entitled “Get Ready for Digital TV” that premiered October 2008 and is available Online;
  • Check out the PBS DTV Transition PowerPoint; and

  • public service announcements (PSAs) that help clarify confusing aspects of the transition and encourage people to prepare in advance for June.



RadioShack Collaboration

In June 2008, ALA and RadioShack proudly announced a collaboration to help educate citizens about the DTV Transition. Through this partnership, RadioShack's 4,500 company stores and many of the 1,000-plus participating franchise stores will offer knowledgeable team members to 16,000 ALA public libraries to host educational sessions for library patrons.

Included in these sessions will be information about why the DTV transition is occurring, the benefits digital television offers television viewers, what people need to do in order to continue receiving over-the-air television broadcasts after the conversion occurs, and how to apply for up to two $40 government coupons per household to help reduce the costs of obtaining a digital converter box. 

ALA members who wish to host a DTV transition presentation in their library may make a request directly through RadioShack's corporate offices.

A library would need only to fill out the template form below and email it directly to RadioShack at: radioshack.dtv@radioshack.com.

American Library Association/RadioShack DTV Event Request

Email Template

 

EMAIL ADDRESS: radioshack.dtv@radioshack.com 

 

SUBJECT: ALA/RadioShack DTV Event: (CITY, STATE)

 

BODY OF EMAIL:

 

I am interested in having a local RadioShack store manager lead a DTV Transition Education Session at the (INSERT LIBRARY NAME) in (CITY, STATE).  See below for details of my request:

 

Event Date:

(Note, please allow a minimum of 2-weeks lead time for scheduling purposes)

 

Event Time:

(Please include start and end time.  We generally recommend a 45-minute session with 15 minutes for set-up beforehand.)

 

Contact Phone:

 

Contact Email:

 

Physical Address, Including Address/City/State/Zip:

 

Parking Information:

 

Room Type & Set-up:

 

Would You Like the RadioShack Store Manager to Demonstrate How To Connect the Converter Box to an Analog TV? (Yes or No)  If yes, the library may need to provide an analog TV set for the demonstration.

 

Do you need a bi-lingual spokesperson?  (Yes or No)

 

Technology the Library Can Provide (Indicate by Marking X)

 

___ Computer to Run PowerPoint Presentation

___ Projector & Screen to Display PowerPoint Presentation

___ Computer(s) with Internet Access for Guests to Apply for Converter Box Coupons Online

___ Analog Television

 

Anticipated Number of Guests:

 

Additional Information or Requests:

 

Thank you for your interest in hosting a DTV education session.  You will hear from a RadioShack representative within the next few days to process your request in the order in which it was received.

 


Low Power Stations

Federal law requires that all "full-power" television stations must end analog broadcasts after June 12, 2009, but this does not include "low-power" TV stations such as:

  • "low-power" or "community" stations of very restricted range (LPTV)
  • "Class A" stations
  • "translator” and "booster" stations

These stations may continue to broadcast in analog after the June 12, 2009, digital conversion deadline for full-power television stations. You need to know if one of the stations you watch is in this category because it could make a difference in the choices you make as you prepare for the transition to digital television.

More DTV Information


Related Links

Antenna Web: Maximize Your Television Reception
Digital Tips: DTV Transition
Comparison of Coupon-Eligible Converter Box Units - Wiki
Consumer Electronics Association
Earth-Friendly Ways to Chuck Your TV - The Street
Recycle Your Old TV!