On February 17, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television in the United States will end, as the nation completes its transition to an all-digital system. While this change will mark the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it won’t signal the end of free broadcast television, and your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available.
TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.
However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with a set-top or rooftop antenna to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:
Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which cost between $50 - 70, are now available for purchase.
This ALA-created image is perfect for posting in your library, answering the most basic of questions. Right-click to download.
U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. 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.
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.
For 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 to get information and assistance to libraries in a timely manner. Keep an eye on this website and on the District Dispatch blog in the coming months for more updates.
Over the course of the past year, the ALA Washington Office has offered several tools for librarians to better educate themselves and their patrons:
An informational video about the DTV Transition, produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
Think your patrons might want to purchase a Digital Television? This flier can answer a lot of those questions.
This is the FCC's DTV Fact Sheet. Very specific info, great for handouts.
Low Power Stations
Federal law requires that all "full-power" television stations must end analog broadcasts after February 17, 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 February 17, 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.
