Texas Insider

By U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry
PUblished: 02-12-09

Washington, DC—Texans have been preparing for some time for the digital television (DTV) transition. During this time, broadcasters and the government have been busy educating the public about the transition and preparing their broadcasting equipment for the switch. With the recent passage of the DTV Delay Act, the deadline for the DTV transition has been pushed back to June 12, 2009 from its original deadline of February 17, 2009.

However, the passage of this legislation merely gives broadcasters the option of delaying the switch; therefore, many broadcasters are going ahead with the February 17 switch.

This transition began more than ten years ago in order to free up more frequencies for use by public safety entities, such as police and firefighters. The date for the required switch from analog to digital broadcasting was set for February 17, 2009. I am afraid that this added delay authorized by the new legislation may only increase the confusion associated with the change.

 The transition from analog to digital broadcasting will affect over 34 million households and 70 million television sets. Digital television is a more efficient transmission technology, and it will allow broadcast stations to offer improved picture, sound quality, and more programming options for television viewers.

While DTV offers new benefits, some people risk losing their television reception unless they take steps to receive a digital signal. Consumers who receive programming through an antenna will only need a digital-to-analog converter box that is available in stores. Coupons are being offered by the National Telecommunications Administration to help pay for the cost of the converter box. Information about the coupon program can be found at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.

While federal law mandates that all full-power television stations must cease to broadcast in analog after June 12, low power television broadcast stations, such as television translator and booster stations are not covered by the law. Translator and booster stations may continue to broadcast in analog after the June 12 digital conversion deadline.

Some folks in the 13th Congressional District of Texas receive programming from both high power and low power stations. If this applies to you, you will need to purchase a digital converter box that is equipped with an analog pass through. These boxes are available under the government coupon program and can be purchased at most major retailers.

TV viewers who have recently purchased television sets may be able to avoid having to purchase digital-to-analog converter. As of March 17, 2007, all television receivers shipped in the United States must contain a digital tuner.

Additionally, as of May 25, 2007, the Federal Communications Commission requires sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of- sale that the device does not include a digital tuner. Retailers are required to inform consumers if they are selling equipment that is not compatible with the digital transition.

Individuals who subscribe to cable or satellite TV services should continue to receive their programming after the February 17 deadline. However, consumers are encouraged to check with their service providers to see if they will be provided with additional compatibility equipment. I encourage anyone seeking more information about the DTV transition to visit https://www.dtv2009.gov/.