Information on the February 2009 Switch to Digital Television

The federal government has mandated that all television signals be switched from analog to digital format on February 17, 2009. This is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.

This page provides some basic information on the transition and links to the federal agencies that are in charge of it. Their Web sites contain more detailed information and resources for consumers. This page also includes information about recycling electronics should you decide to get rid of old equipment because of the digital transition. It is designed to present basic information on this complex issue, not describe state requirements.

Background

Not all televisions will be affected by the switch to all-digital TV. Many newer televisions--both high definition and regular--will not be affected. However, many older TVs, VCRs, DVD players and related equipment may need new equipment to work properly.

Three basic television models exist: plasma, liquid crystal display (LCD), and traditional models that use a cathode ray tube (CRT). CRT models are large and box-like and often use an analog tuner, though newer models may receive digital (including high definition) signals. Plasma and LCD televisions have flat screens and generally broadcast using a digital signal, although older models may not.

Many televisions, VCRs and DVD players have labels or markings on them, or statements in the informational materials that came with them, to indicate that they contain digital tuners. These labels or markings may contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In," "Digital Receiver," "Digital Tuner," "DTV," "ATSC" or "HDTV" (high definition television). If your television equipment contains any of these labels or markings, you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming and not be affected by the switch.

If you can't find any labels on your TV, here are some general guidelines:

• If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably doesn't have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional analog set.
• If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-in digital tuner inside. But chances aren't great. Only a limited number of projection TVs (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.
• If you purchased a new TV since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner are good. Starting in 2004, many of the TVs sold feature digital tuners that will work after February 17, 2009. But it's not a sure thing. Even some of the newer TV sets lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts. Usually these sets have been advertised as "HD-ready" or "HDTV monitor" sets. That means they can display digital and high-definition signals, but they need help getting those signals in the first place. You'll still need a digital converter box or a cable/satellite TV connection.

What to Expect

If you have an analog television and you currently receive your television signal through an antenna, you will need to get a digital converter box to view that signal after February 17, 2009. A converter box converts digital transmission to analog so your analog TV will continue to receive television broadcasts. You will still be able to use the television to play video games or watch movies from a connected VCR or DVD player.

Other equipment, including VCRs and DVD players, may lose some functions after the switch. For instance, if your VCR or DVD player has only an analog tuner, you will still be able to play videos but may only be able to record programs through the television (that is, you would not be able to watch one channel and record another). You can purchase additional converter boxes and hook them up to VCRs or DVD players you use to record programs.

If you are connected to cable or satellite for your television signal, you should contact your provider, but you will likely still get television signals without interruption.

Your television does not have to be in high definition to receive the new digital signal. High definition (HD) is one form of digital television, but there are also digital signals that are not HD. As long as your television has a digital tuner or digital signal converter box, it can receive digital signals.

What You Can Do

If you have an analog TV or VCR/DVD player with an analog tuner and do not have cable or satellite reception, you can purchase a converter box to be able to convert digital signals to show up on your analog TV, VCR or DVD player. Coupons are now available [exit DNR] worth $40 each, two per household, toward the purchase of a converter box, which will likely cost between $50 and $70.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star program has a page to help you find an energy-efficient digital converter box [exit DNR].

If you decide to get rid of old electronic equipment, recycle it. For Wisconsin households, recycling electronics is encouraged; for businesses, it is required by law.

Find out more about electronics recycling on our used and discarded electronics Web page.

Resources and Links

To find an electronics recycler, visit our How Do I Handle my Computers and Other Electronics? page.

Following are Web sites with more information about this television signal change:

• Countdown to the DTV Transition [exit DNR], sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission. This site contains information geared to consumers, government agencies and community groups and the press. It also has information in Spanish.
• Digital Television Transition and Public Safety [exit DNR], sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This federal agency is in charge of the program that will allow U.S. households to obtain two free coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of specific converter boxes allowing analog televisions to display digital transmissions. Online informational brochures are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.
• DTV Transition [exit DNR], sponsored by the DTV Transition Coalition. This site contains information about the transition as well as instructions for setting up a converter box.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [exit DNR] has information about the transition, TV recycling and finding energy-efficient TVs if you choose to purchase new equipment.
• An Associated Press video [exit DNR] explains what a person with a television connected to an antenna needs to do with a converter box to continue using their television if it is not digital.
• DTV Answers [exit DNR] provides what you need to know about the switch to DTV. This site is sponsored by National Association of Broadcasters and has a short video about the transition as well as many informational resources.