Digital Transition FAQ
- What is the digital transition?
- When you say “over-the-air TV stations,” what do you mean
- Why is this important? (Why are you telling me about this?)
- Will it impact Bright House Networks customers?
- Who is mandating this?
- Why is it happening?
- When will it occur?
- What changes will occur on that day?
- Who will it affect?
- Who will not be affected?
- What can those who will be affected by it do to make it through the digital transition with minimal impact and cost?
- How will the nation’s TV-viewing public learn about the digital transition?
- What measures are in place (or will be in place) to help low income consumers navigate through the digital transition?
- What is the contact information for consumers who may need financial help?
- Who should consumers call if they need technical help?
- How are consumers being notified about the digital transition?
- What tactics will be used in these campaigns?
- How do I know if my TV set is able to receive digital signals by itself?
- Will CableCARD consumers be affected by the digital television transition?
- Where does a consumer order a DTV Converter Coupon?
- Does the DTV converter replace the BHN converter?
1. What is the Digital Transition?
The digital transition is a dramatic overhaul of the nation’s over-the-air television broadcasting system. The main event will be a significant change to the way TV signals are sent. Transmission will change from an old system known as “analog” broadcasting to a newer system known as “digital” broadcasting. The digital transition, now happening in June 2009, is when over-the-air TV stations will stop transmitting their programs in analog language, and will start transmitting them only in digital. Not just some TV stations, but every one.
2. When you say “over-the-air TV stations,” what do you mean?
Over-the-air TV stations are stations in your community that you can see whether you have cable or not. These typically include local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, or UPN affiliated stations, but may also include local stations that are not affiliated with a national network such as local religious or ethnic channels.
3. Why is this important? (Why are you telling me about this?)
When these over-the-air TV stations switch from analog to digital format, TVs that are unable to receive digital signals will go black. The TV sets will be on, but there will be no sound and no video.
4. Will it impact Bright House Networks customers?
No, Bright House Networks customers will not be affected by the digital transition as long as all of their TVs are plugged into our system. Bright House Networks is ready for the digital conversion that’s scheduled to occur now in June 2009 so our customers do not need to take any action. Bright House Networks customers will NOT need a retail Digital-to-Analog converter for any TV plugged into cable.
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5. Who is mandating this?
The U.S. government, specifically the Federal Communications Commission, is mandating the digital transition.
6. Why is it happening?
Changing over to a digital format will reduce the amount of signal-capacity the nation’s TV broadcasting system uses. The extra capacity that’s freed up will be available to make important enhancements in the way first-responders such as police and fire departments react to emergencies. Also, changing to a digital broadcasting approach lets TV stations send clearer signals through the air. They can even use the new digital technologies to send high-definition TV (HDTV) signals through the air, and they can introduce new programs and channels, too. So there are some definite benefits to TV viewers from the digital transition.
7. When will it occur?
The digital transition will occur on June 12, 2009.
8. What changes will occur on that day?
On June 12, 2009 all television broadcasters will convert to a digital signal. When this happens, television viewers who use “rabbit ear” antennas for over-the-air signals will “go dark,” receiving no signal at all. The TV sets will be on, but there will be no sound and no video.
9. Who will it affect?
Viewers who use “rabbit ear” antennas for over-the-air signals will be affected.
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10. Who will not be affected?
Customers who have a digital TV service provider, like Bright House Networks, or people who purchase a new digital TV capable of receiving the new signals or people who purchase a Digital-to-Analog converter for their non-digital TVs.
11. What can those who will be affected by it do to make it through the digital transition with minimal impact and cost?
Those affected will have three options for continuing to receive television programming: 1) Sign up for TV service from a provider like Bright House Networks, 2) Purchase a retail Digital-to-Analog converter for your TV to keep receiving local channels or 3) Buy a new digital TV that is capable of receiving digital programming.
12. How will the nation’s TV-viewing public learn about the digital transition?
The National Cable & Telecommunications Association launched a three- part consumer education campaign called Get Ready for Digital TV, including public service announcements for broadcast and cable that airs September 2007 until the transition occurs, an educational web site www.getreadyfordigitaltv.com, and distribution of customer communication materials for cable systems.
13. What measures are in place (or will be in place) to help low income consumers navigate through the digital transition?
In addition to the consumer education campaign, which will be in both English and Spanish, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes between Jan. 1, 2008 until the transition occurs.
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14. What is the contact information for consumers who may need financial help?
1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon.
15. Who should consumers call if they need technical help?
For techincal help, consumers can use the connections guide on the Consumer Electronics Association web site, www.ceaconnectionsguide.com or send an email to cekh@cyberscholar.com or call the CEA’s customer service line at (866) 858-1555.
16. How are consumers being notified about the digital transition?
In addition to the NCTA educational campaign, Bright House Networks customers will also be notified through bill inserts and statements, cable advertising, the company’s Web site and on-hold phone messages.
17. What tactics will be used in these campaigns?
A robust Web site providing simple, useful information about consumer options during the DTV transition and links to a wide variety of industry resources offering more information on those options; printed materials that can be distributed to consumers through point-of-purchase displays and other consumer sales channels; public service announcements in cable, broadcast and print media; and information promoting and publicizing details of the retail Digital-to-Analog converter "coupon" program to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
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18. How do I know if my TV set is able to receive digital signals by itself?
Many television sets have a “digital tuner” built in. If your TV set has this, it is already configured to receive and display digital signals.
To determine if your television set has a “digital tuner” built in, please consult your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s Web site. In addition, look at the back of your TV. Does it have an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (it’s the acronym for the new digital TV format).
If you bought your TV prior to 1998, it probably does not have a digital tuner. By law, beginning March 1, 2007, all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory, but must prominently display on or near the analog-only device a Consumer Alert label with this advisory.
19. Will CableCARD consumers be affected by the digital television transition?
No. CableCARD devices are able to access most digitally encrypted cable television services.
20. Where does a consumer order a DTV Converter Coupon?
Consumers may visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 and may request up to two DTV converter coupons.
21. Does the DTV converter replace the BHN converter?
No. The DTV converter is only for viewers who use “rabbit ear” or roof-top antennas for over-the-air signals.
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