Your guide to the digital conversion

By Jeff Smith, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 4, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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What exactly is happening and why?

The government is requiring most broadcast television stations to switch from analog to all-digital signals by Feb. 17, 2009. That transition will free up valuable wireless spectrum for commercial and public safety use. The spectrum is being auctioned off by the government.

How do I know if I have a digital TV?

All TVs made after March 1, 2007, were required to include an internal digital tuner. You're all set if you see labels on your set or terms in your manual such as "integrated digital tuner," "digital tuner built-in," "digital receiver," "DTV." You get the idea.

On the other hand, "digital ready" means that you likely don't have a digital TV.

If you're still confused, you can call the manufacturer or look up the set's specifications on the Internet.

Is a digital TV the same as high-definition TV?

Not exactly. There are standard-definition digital TVs and there are high-definition digital TVs.

High definition costs more. You need a high-definition TV to receive high-definition programming, but a standard-definition TV is fine for receiving standard digital TV programming.

How do I get a converter box?

Retailers are beginning to stock them, usually at prices ranging from $50 to $70.

Through March 31, 2009, the government is offering $40 coupons to help offset your cost. All U.S. households can get up to two $40 coupons.

Douglas County-based Dish Network is planning to offer converter boxes for $39.99. The company probably will lose money on the devices but hopes to attract new customers through the offer.

How do I get those $40 coupons from the government?

There are application forms at dtv2009.gov, or you may call the coupon hotline at 1-888-388-2009. Hearing-impaired consumers may call 1-877-530-2634 (English) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish).

I filled out the application last week, and it was easy. The Web site also lists the eligible converter boxes by brand. It eventually will list the retail stores near you that sell converter boxes. (I say eventually because I typed in my address but got no results for retail stores near me that carry converter boxes).

Can I connect more than one TV to a converter box?

No. You need one converter box for each analog TV, which is why the government is providing two coupons per household.

In fact, you may need two converter boxes just to connect an analog TV and an analog video cassette recorder.

Will I also need a special antenna to receive digital signals over the air?

Good question. Generally speaking, good digital reception will require the same equipment you're using for analog reception.

If you now need a roof-top or rabbit ears antenna to receive analog signals, then the same antenna should work for digital. Depending on your setup at home, there may be individual cases where additional equipment, such as an adapter, is needed. For example, if you use an old antenna that attaches to your TV with two wires, you may need to get adapters to connect a converter box.

Are cable networks required to switch to digital signals as well?

No. In fact, cable companies are required to continue offering local broadcast stations in analog for at least three years after the Feb. 17, 2009, deadline - if they offer analog service at all.

That's the catch. As you've probably noticed, cable providers such as Comcast increasingly are dropping analog programming to spur customers to subscribe to digital packages.

What if I own an analog TV but have digital cable or satellite service now?

You're OK, because the conversion already is being made for you by your provider.

But experts say there is a loss of some picture and sound quality through that conversion, so you may not be getting the most out of your digital package.

"You're down converting from digital to analog, so of course it would be better if you had a digital TV," said Dish Network spokeswoman Francie Bauer.

But she said Dish, which also is offering a converter box, understands that not everybody is ready to purchase a digital TV, "and we certainly want to make sure we have options for everybody depending on their needs."

I now own an analog TV. If I go into a store to buy a converter box, aren't retailers going to try to sell me a digital TV?

Brian Lucas, public relations manager for Best Buy's home theater products, acknowledges that conversion represents a business opportunity for the company.

But Lucas said the sales staff has been trained to help consumers find the right solution for their needs so customers leave with a "positive view of us."

That being said, beware of possible up-selling tactics by retailers. If all you want is a converter box, say so. But you also might find that this is a good time to buy a digital TV. Some 27-inch standard-definition digital TV models cost less than $300.

If I decide to buy a digital TV to replace my analog set, how can I dispose of my old TV?

The Web site mygreenelectronics.org lists recyclers near your home. You may also want to do your own research to find other sources.

Can I continue to use parental controls like the V-chip, which blocks certain programming depending on the rating?

Yes, the government requires V-chips to be built into digital TVs.

Does the conversion apply to all broadcast stations?

No. Low-power stations serving rural areas, remote mountain areas and local communities aren't required to convert to digital at this time. Such stations regularly identify their call sign, and that call sign sometimes consists of the suffix LP for low power.

So, if I have an analog TV and use an antenna, what do I do?

You'll have to get a converter box, at right. This set-top box connects to your analog TV so you will be able to receive digital signals over the air.

Or you can buy a digital TV like the one below.

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