Councilman Tom Simplot
April 2008
Digital TV Conversion
A change in how we watch our favorite TV program is looming on the horizon, so you’ll want to prepare for the change in advance and not miss an episode. The broadcasting change is called Digital Television Conversion, and the entire country will experience it.
The federal government has set a deadline of February 17, 2009 for complete conversion to an all-digital television broadcast. This conversion is the most important change in television since the introduction of color TV. Not only will TV viewers have better reception, sound quality and high definition viewing, our options for more program channels will be expanded. But perhaps more importantly to you and me, Congress ordered this changeover to free up airwaves for first responders and public safety uses.
Just how this conversion impacts you depends on how you receive television broadcasts in your home. If you receive TV through cable or satellite, the conversion to digital television will likely occur without you doing anything at all. Your provider will handle the change.
However, if you don’t have cable or satellite TV and receive TV over the air – meaning you have an antenna or “rabbit ears” in your house – it is up to you to take steps before February of 2009 to obtain a digital television (DTV) converter box. This is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your current TV set and antenna so you can receive the new digital format. It is estimated that nearly 400,000 Arizona households will need these converter boxes.
A converter box should cost between $50 and $70. Some local retailers are beginning to stock their shelves, so you’ll want to contact your favorite electronics or department store for information. There’s also a federal program to help offset the expense. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue coupons for DTV converter boxes this year. Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, to defray part of the expense. Visit DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 for more information.
Remember: Without the converter box, your old TV with antenna won’t work next February. If your TV was purchased before May 2007 you will probably need the converter. If you aren’t prepared to buy a new TV, get the box as soon as they are available.
Many local TV stations are already broadcasting in digital. It’s not too early to get started on converting your old TV set and keeping tuned to your favorite programs.
Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4, which includes parts of north central Phoenix. Simplot also is a member of the Federal Communications Commission Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. If you have questions, comments or suggestions on this or any other issue, contact his office at council.district.4@phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7447.