13WMAZ.com - Digital TV Info

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By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009. DTV is an innovative new type of broadcasting technology that delivers movie-quality pictures and sound, more channels, and even high definition television (HDTV) to consumers with HD television sets.

While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take the easy steps to receive a digital signal. We're here to assist you throughout the entire transition process.

What is Digital Television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is an innovative new type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality.

DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional broadcast technology known as analog. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time. DTV technology can also be used to provide future interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.

What is analog television?

Analog television service is the traditional method of transmitting television signals. Analog transmission has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Analog is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital, and TV stations can only transmit one channel of programming with an analog signal versus up to four or more programs with a digital signal in the same amount of spectrum. Analog is also susceptible to interference and “snow” that make a picture less clear.

What is the DTV transition?

The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress. Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990s, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 out of 1,762 full power television stations nationwide offer digital programming.

What equipment do I need?

If you currently receive free over-the-air television programming on an analog television set, you will need a DTV converter box to continue to receive television service after February 17, 2009. DTV converter boxes will be available in early 2008. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will be issuing up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households in early 2008. Information about the DTV converter box coupon program is available at www.ntia.doc.gov.

What is a DTV converter box?

A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna and converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households to help defray the cost of the converter box.

Why the switch?

DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. The switch to digital broadcasting will enable television stations to offer dramatically clearer pictures, better sound quality and more programming choices. Under legislation passed by Congress – the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 – over-the-air broadcast television stations are required to turn off their analog channels on February 17, 2009, and continue broadcasting exclusively in the digital format.

Since digital television is more efficient than analog television, the analog turn-off will also free up parts of the airwaves to provide wireless spectrum for future innovative services by entrepreneurs.

What are the benefits of DTV?

Digital television allows TV stations to offer a number of new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures and sound quality, DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is known as “multicasting.” DTV can also be used to provide data services (such as significantly enhanced closed captioning) that are not possible with analog technology.

When is it?

The switchover from analog to digital broadcasting will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress. However, television stations have been preparing for the transition since the late 1990s, when they began building new facilities and airing digital channels alongside their regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 full power television stations out of 1,762 stations nationwide offer digital programming in all markets across America.

When can I obtain a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes that transform digital television signals to analog will be available for purchase at electronics retailers in early 2008. These converter boxes will allow consumers to maintain their free, over-the-air television service even on older analog TVs. Beginning in early 2008, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households to help defray the cost of the converter box.

When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue coupons for DTV converter boxes in early 2008. Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products.

Who's affected?

Consumers who receive over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners – and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider – will be affected by the transition.

At least 19.6 million households receive over-the-air signals exclusively in their homes, and 14.9 million households have secondary over-the-air television sets in their bedrooms or kitchens. Overall, nearly 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals on February 17, 2009, if consumers do not make the easy transition to DTV.

Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting on analog sets will have three options for continuing their television service:

-Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set;
-Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; or
-Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.

How do I switch?

You can prepare for the transition to digital television by following one of three simple steps:

-Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set.

The DTV converter box, sometimes referred to as a set-top box, is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older “analog” television set. DTV converter boxes will be available for purchase in early 2008, and are expected to cost between $50 and $70. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households beginning in early 2008. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) www.ntia.doc.gov.

You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.

Click here to find out how to get your own converter box.

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

Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Can I recycle my TV?

Yes. For more information about how to recycle your television and other electronics, visit mygreenelectronics.com.

Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider.

All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

Converter Box Details

A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna and converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households to help defray the cost of the converter box.

When can I obtain a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes that transform digital television signals to analog will be available for purchase at electronics retailers in early 2008. These converter boxes will allow consumers to maintain their free, over-the-air television service even on older analog TVs. Beginning early next year, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households to help defray the cost of the converter box.

Where can I purchase a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes that make digital broadcast signals viewable on analog television sets will be available for purchase at electronics retailers in early 2008. Each box is expected to cost between $50 and $70. Households will also be able to request up to two $40 coupons from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that can be used toward the purchase of converter boxes.

When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue coupons for DTV converter boxes in early 2008. Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products.

How do I sign up for the DTV converter box coupon program?

Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more information about the converter box coupon program, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or email couponinfo@ntia.doc.gov.

How do I know if I have an analog or digital television set?

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over the air?

If you currently use an indoor or rooftop antenna to receive over-the-air analog broadcast television signals and you have good or excellent reception quality, the same antenna should be able to provide you with reception of digital television broadcast signals. For more information about using an antenna to receive local television broadcast channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

Will I be able to use my VCR, DVD player or camcorder with a DTV set?

Yes, your existing VCR, DVD player and camcorder will still work with a digital television set, but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.

Choosing An Antenna

Do I need a special antenna to receive digital television (DTV) over-the-air?

With a good indoor or outdoor antenna, you will maximize your DTV reception. In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of antenna that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

How can I view Digital Television?
WMAZ offers a DTV signal on Digital Channel 13 (DT - 13). This was the first DTV signal available in Central Georgia. WMAZ DT - 13 is not the same as cable channel 4. To receive the digital signal, you must own a Digital TV set and tune to channel 13.0 via antenna.

Are the new DTV sets readily available?
Digital TV sets are available at retail stores across Central Georgia.

If I have digital cable, do I have Digital Television?
Digital cable is not the same as Digital Television. Cox Cable offers WMAZ-DT on their High Definition tier. You can contact Cox Cable for more information. Other cable companies in Central Georgia do not yet carry WMAZ's digital signal.

Do I need to convert to digital right away?
The DTV transition is happening now, but WMAZ will continue broadcasting a conventional signal and digital signal until the full rollout schedule is complete. The United States Congress has approved a bill that makes February 17, 2009 as the end of analog broadcasts.

What can I watch in HDTV?
WMAZ broadcasts all of the HDTV programming currently provided by CBS. Many prime time favorites like "C.S.I.," "The King of Queens," and "Without A Trace," as well as the daytime drama "The Young and The Restless" are now available in HDTV. CBS will continue to expand its prime time HDTV line up. Many popular sporting events are also presented in HDTV.

ATV - Advanced Television. ATV refers to Digital Television, including standard and high definition versions.

DTV - Digital Television. DTV refers to digital methods of recording, reproducing and transmitting television pictures and sound.

ATSC - Advanced Television Systems Committee. The ATSC was formed to establish standards for advanced television systems, referred to as ATV. ATV usually refers to a new terrestrial DTV service mandated by the FCC.

NTSC - National Television Standards Committee. The NTSC established the standards for the current method of television broadcasting used in North America today. This service is currently scheduled to cease operation in the United States by 2006.

HDTV - High Definition Television. HDTV refers to a number of new video formats. The most common HDTV formats used in advanced television in the United States are 720P and 1080I. With 720P, 720 horizontal lines are scanned progressively or in succession in a vertical frame that is repeated 30 times a second. With 1080I, 1,080 horizontal lines are scanned in an interlaced pattern, in a vertical frame that is repeated 30 times a second. In an interlaced scan the odd and even numbered lines of a picture are scanned alternately as two separate interleaved fields. This effectively makes the vertical repetition rate 60 times a second and is a technique used to reduce the amount of flicker which the human eye can detect. WMAZ utilizes the 1080I format.

SDTV - Standard Definition Television. Standard Definition TV is typically what we're all accustomed to looking at. It refers to 525 horizontal lines of video in a vertical frame that is reproduced 30 times a second. It can be Interlaced or Progressive scan, and any aspect ratio.

16:9 Aspect Ratio - Aspect Ratio is the ratio of the horizontal width to the vertical height of the television picture. NTSC and our traditional TV sets use a 4:3 aspect ratio. In HDTV it is typically 16:9 and is often called wide screen, referring to a wider screen display, more like what we see when we go to a movie. A 14:9 aspect ratio is sometimes used as a transition standard and can also be referred to as wide screen. Aspect Ratio is not necessarily related to SDTV or HDTV. It is possible to have 16:9 SDTV, and, although when we refer to HDTV it is usually 16:9, it is possible to have a 14:9 or 4:3 Aspect Ratio HDTV picture.

PSIP - Program and System Information Protocol. PSIP is a section of the ATSC digital data stream that allows program suppliers and DTV broadcast stations to name, describe, and provide schedules and information about DTV programs. PSIP can also be used to program DTV receivers to refer to broadcast channels by their native or original broadcast channel number even though they're actually broadcasting on another channel.

NOTE: Some DTV receivers have the ability to use the PSIP data to rename a broadcast channel to its native channel and some don't. Generally, the early model receivers did not have this ability but the more recent models now do. This could be confusing to some people, but it's intended to make it easier for viewers to find their favorite stations and enable broadcast stations to maintain their brand identity.

With all the new digital technologies and television services it's easy to get confused about what Digital Television is all about.

Here, we break down some of the terms and acronyms.