Making the Digital Switch
Television as we know it is about to change.
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.
We are counting down to that date, the day we all will make the digital switch. Will your television go black? Read on to find out.
What the era of digital television promises:
Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture, better sound and more programming options. Case in point, 49 ABC KTKA is currently multicasting, which is broadcasting more than one digital channel on the same spectrum. 49 ABC KTKA currently broadcasts two channels on the same spectrum. DTV technology can also be used to provide future interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.
How can 49 ABC KTKA be multicasting if the switch hasn't been made?
Congress is mandating that all analog signals used for television be transfered to digital by February 17, 2009. But, we are overachievers. Our engineers activated our digital channels more than a year early, all the while maintaining our analog signal, which will be available until 11:59 p.m. February 17, 2009.
Where is 49 ABC KTKA going to be on my dial?
Those with HDTVs, a TV with a digital tuner or set-top converter boxes can view all their favorite ABC programming and our local news on 48.1. You can find our subchannel -- that's the multicasting part -- at 48.2, which is dedicated to agriculture and weather.
I have cable. Do I really need a converter or will my provider take care of the switch for me?
If you are a Cox Cable subscriber, you don't have to do anything; Cox is making the transition seamless for its customers, said Cox Cable Public Affairs Director Sarah Kauffman. You will continue receiving the same service as you did prior to February 17, 2009.
Sunflower Broadband customers also have to do nothing to prepare for the transition. Customers will continue to use the wire Sunflower provides into their homes to hook up their existing sets or their new sets.The changes that will impact Sunflower Broadband customers will be the number of channels available for viewing on TV sets that do not have a set-top cable box or cable card, said Rod Kutemeier, cable services and marketing for Sunflower. Sunflower subscribers will need at least one cable box or cable card for their home to view all of the channels Sunflower offers. The company is working to keep as many of their popular channels as they can available for second, third and fourth TV sets without needing extra equipment. Sunflower customers will be able to view 49 ABC KTKA without that extra equipment. If you have questions, call Sunflower Broadband.
For other companies' responses to the digital switch, please contact your local cable provider.
Important Links
Transition Overview
DTVAnswers.com
Converter coupon info
DTV.gov Consumer Corner
NTIA.doc.gov
Multicasting.com
What if I don't have a digital television, cable or a converter box?
People viewing television channels using antenna will no longer be able to do so after February 17, 2009. Their televisions will go black. Millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take these easy steps to receive a digital signal.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after February 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
Sounds expensive. Is it?
1. You can get a $40 coupon for a converter -- actually you can get two per household -- which may help defray the cost. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the official TV Converter Box Coupon Program January 1, 2008. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted. There is sufficient funding for only 33.5 million coupons, while about 70 million television sets need an upgrade. Get your coupon here or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The coupon will not cover the entire price of the converter. Converters range in price from approximately $75 to $1,700. The less expensive ones work just fine.
2. For the very basic residential cable service from Cox Cable, you will pay $12 a month at the least. That's for channels 2 through 22, which include 49 ABC KTKA and other big networks, news channels and public television. Expanded cable is more. Ask for specials from your cable company to get the most for your money. For the very basic residential cable service from Sunflower Broadband, you will pay $21.95 a month for limited basic services, that includes 49 ABC KTKA and News 6 from Lawrence. Ask for specials when you call. If those two companies don't cover your area, please contact the cable provider in your area for prices. Satellite television is available from a variety of companies, including DISH Network and DIRECTV. Pricing is available by calling satellite providers.
3. Televisions with digital tuners will soon be the only televisions sold at stores. All analog televisions must be labeled such by the store, in accordance with federal standards. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Check your owner's manual. Most sets sold in the last five years will likely have a digital tuner, but check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer. Prices vary depending on size and brand. You can purchase a small television with a digital tuner for around $120 from a variety of stores and Web sites.
What is the difference between digital television and HDTV?
Digital broadcasting allows for high definition broadcasts, but high definition is not required, and you do not need to buy a HDTV to watch digital TV. HDTV simply refers to a resolution quality. Other than HDTV, the most common format is Standard Definition Television.
Why are we making the digital switch?
Other than offering dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality to television viewers, the digital switch clears up analog channels for use by emergency responders and future use by entrepreneurs and companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services, such as wireless broadband.
What can I do with my old TV?
Don't just throw your television away, recycle it. Your analog television will work after the transition, but you need a set-top converter box. But, if you upgrade to a new television and don't want your old one collecting dust in your home, you can recycle it. Learn about disposal options and locate recycling programs near you by tapping into MyGreenElectronics.org.
