The Digital TV Transition…Your Questions Answered

Q. What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?

A. The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. Effective February 17, 2009, television stations will no longer be able to broadcast in an analog signal.

Q. How will the DTV transition affect me?

A. It all depends on the type of TV you own.
• An analog television receives free over-the-air television programming through a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV.
• A digital television receives programming through an internal digital tuner.

If you own an analog television you will need to subscribe to a cable service or purchase a digital-to-analog converter box. If you own a digital television you will not be affected by the DTV transition.

Q. Why is this change being made?

A. Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide more features and benefits to their consumers. Digital broadcasting is more efficient and will require less of the current airwaves, opening up television channels. These channels, for example, could be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication.

Q. I’m currently a WCTA Cable TV customer. How will this affect me?

A. As a WCTA Cable TV customer, your television and cable system will continue to operate as it does today. No additional equipment is necessary.

To get more information on the DTV transition, visit www.dtv.gov or www.dtvanswers.com