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 It's coming
On February 17, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television in the United States will end as the nation completes its transition to an all-digital system. While this change will mark the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it won't signal the end of free broadcast television, and your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations—like KCPT—will still be available.
However, if you currently receive analog television over the air or via an antenna, you'll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations. TVs accessing "pay" television service such as cable or satellite aren't likely to be affected by the switch.
What You Need To Know
TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.
However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009.
You will need to consider one of the following options:
- Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set. (To learn more about the coupon program, visit http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html.)
- Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
- Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.
Any of these steps will ensure that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming. For more information, tune in to KCPT, which will broadcast special messages about the upcoming Digital TV Transition, or check the Digital TV Transition section of www.KCPT.org. KCPT Magazine will continue to inform you of aspects of the transition in every issue this year.
-Information provided in part by the Association of Public Television Stations
More information may be found by clicking the links below:
Download more information. (PDF 316KB)
The FCC DTV Website
The FCC DTV Fact Sheet
The U.S. Department of Commerce DTV Website
Public TV and the Transition
TimeWarner Cable DTV Site
DTV Transition Coalition
Public Television Affinity Group Coalition Site
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