DTV Transition June 12th: Are You Ready?

The word is out. The digital television (DTV) transition will occur on June 12. After Congress determined to postpone the original February 19 effective date, U.S. consumers have had almost 4 years to prepare for the transition, and the time has nearly come for the change. The Chamber’s Technology Business Counil (TBC) wants to ask if you are ready for the transition and has provided some background questions and helpful resources to ensure you are prepared for the DTV transition next week.

What is the DTV transition? Effective June 12, 2009, all analog signals (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) will be switched exclusively to digital signals for television programming. Consumers who use analog TVs not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV services will need to purchase a digital TV or a converter box in order to receive a visible signal after this date.

Why is this happening? This transition was part of a law passed by Congress in 2005. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s DTV website, “because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience. Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.”

Who does this affect? According to Congressional Quarterly, there are currently 3.5 million U.S. households still watching analog broadcasts that have not prepared for the DTV transition.

How do I buy the converter box? The U.S. government has launched a coupon program to supply $40 discounts to consumers who wish to purchase this converter box in order to ease the cost of the transition. To apply for a coupon, view participating stores, and for more information on the digital transition, visit www.dtv2009.gov.

The Technology Business Council’s Technology Legislative Task Force will be monitoring these and other technology and telecommunications issues in 2009. For more information on the work of this committee, please visit www.DallasTBC.org.