Digital T.V. Transition Delayed Until June

Transitioning into a more technologically sound culture presents many with a theme America is currently embracing–change. While we all will experience the modification from analog broadcasting to digital, Congress has recently passed legislation to set the final deadline for June 12. The change was originally mandated for Feb. 17, but stations will still have the ability to stop broadcasting analog between Feb. 17 and June 12. To answer the central question though: what is digital television? The Federal Communications Commission states that “digital television (DTV) is an advanced broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience…[and] enable broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. It can also offer multiple programming choices…and interactive capabilities.” A digital tuner rule set by the Commission specifies that “as of March 1, 2007, all new TVs must include digital tuners.” This rule prohibits the manufacture, import, or interstate shipment of any device containing an analog tuner, unless it also contains a digital tuner. Consumers have been alerted with changes, for the television “receiver that has only an analog broadcast tuner…will require a converter box after February 17, 2009…[in order] to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna.” Consumers have been promised that “analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products.” Not all is lost with the change of the mandated DTV change though, the converter box coupon program is also available to “all U.S. households.” Households “[are]…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”, says the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The Federal Communications Commission urges that Americans do not wait until June to make this transition. Want to know more? Visit http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html#faq2