General Digital Tv Conversion Information

Last year, we started to receive messages about the digital television, or DTV, conversion that is set to occur on February 17, 2009. Although it does not affect a small percentage of local stations in some rural areas, it would require all full-power television stations to broadcast only in digital, freeing up frequencies among emergency service and the police and fire departments to have less-crowded access to communication frequencies. Another reason The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, is also mandating this change is so that certain frequencies will be licensed to wireless broadband companies to provide wireless services to its customers.

For people who are accustomed to the over-the-air signals that have been provided for the past 80 years, making the conversion can seem a bit of a nuisance. Rest assured, a little bit of research and/or making any necessary updates to your current television will provide HD channels with crystal clear picture quality and overall better sound.

Televisions that were purchased after March 1, 2007 will have a built-in receiver that can pick up the signals. If your TV was purchased before that date, you can check your TVs manual or contact the manufacturer to determine if it has a built-in receiver. Certain keywords to look for are "HDTV", "built-in tuner", or "digital receiver". If you have an antenna that can receive ultra high frequencies, or UHF, then you will not have to buy a new one. You can also purchase a high-end antenna that can receive HD channels. You can typically find a very good model for about $50 by typing in "indoor HD antenna" into your web browser. If you are currently subscribed to some form of cable or satellite service, then you don't have to worry about purchasing any new devices. These companies have started to broadcast digitally, so you can continue to watch your favorite channels without any interruption.

Although this DTV conversion has its upsides, it has caused a quite of a stir in the community. Some argue that they don't have the extra money to purchase a DTV converter box, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $70. A TV converter box coupon program is being offered at the DTV website, in which each household can receive up to two $40 coupons towards their purchase of a converter box. You must apply to be put on their waiting list, and they will provide a list of local retailers and online and telephone retailers you can purchase your converter box from. A digital TV bill was passed to Congress to delay the DTV conversion from February 17 to June 12 because the coupon program is supposedly out of funds. About 24 million residents have requested 46 million coupons, and only 18 million coupons have been redeemed. A little over 50 percent of those coupons have been redeemed while 13 million have already expired.