Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that will transform television as we now know it.By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" (like a computer), a digital broadcaster can carry more information than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology.For example, the technology allows the transmission of pictures with higher resolution for dramatically better picture and sound quality than currently available called High Definition Television (HDTV) or the transmission of several "standard definition" TV programs at once called "multicasting". "Standard definition"digital TV pictures would be similar in clarity and detail to the best TV pictures being received and displayed today using the current analog broadcast system and TV receivers. DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology.

The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress. Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990s, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,624 out of 1,762 full power television stations nationwide offer digital programming.

If you currently receive free over-the-air television programming on an analog television set, you will need a DTV converter box to continue to receive television service after February 17, 2009. DTV converter boxes will be available in early 2008. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will be issuing up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households in early 2008. Information about the DTV converter box coupon program is available at www.ntia.doc.gov.

You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.

Visit AntennaWeb to determine the proper outdoor antenna to use in order to receive free local broadcast channels.

DTV allows a number of new and better services.  With HDTV, broadcasters can offer far higher resolution and picture quality than exists with Analog technology.  Or, they can offer several different TV programs at the same time, with pictures and sound quality equal to or better than is generally available today.  In addition, broadcasters can simultaneously transmit a variety of other information through a data bitstream to both enhance the TV programming and to provide entirely new services.

HDTV is a name given to two of the digital television (DTV) formats. HDTV provides high resolution programming.A current analog TV picture is made up of horizontal lines on the picture screen; an HDTV picture can have more than twice as many lines, allowing for stunning picture detail.

HDTV uses a "widescreen format." "Widescreen format" refers to an image's aspect ratio, which is a comparison of screen width to screen height.Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16 by 9, similar to a movie theater screen.HDTV programs can include Dolby Digital surround sound, the same digital sound system used in many movie theaters and DVDs.

HDTV uses the same amount of bandwidth (the size of the communications channel) as the current analog system, but with HDTV, about six times more information is transmitted.This capability translates to much better quality in picture and sound.

DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system.  For example, rather than being limited to providing one "analog" programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously.  Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called "multicasting". The number of programs a station can send on one digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream.  DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology.

Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves.  Those portions of the airwaves can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services (for example, police, fire departments, and rescue squads).

No. Set-top boxes which convert digital signals to analog signals are available now and will continue to be available at lower prices to consumers as the transition progresses. However, to enjoy the full benefits of Digital TV, including superior sound and clarity, you must own a Digital TV set. An analog television, with the addition of a set-top box, will still allow viewers to enjoy all of the programming they have always enjoyed.

Receiving the DTV and HDTV signals over-the-air requires an antenna and a new DTV receiver that can decode the digital signals.  In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV signals will work for DTV reception.

Cable and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscribes will need a new DTV receiver and other special equipment to receive DTV programming.  A “Plug-and-Play” or “Digital Cable Ready” DTV or other device will allow digital cable customers plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box.  You must obtain a CableCARD from your cable company to receive scrambled digital programming and premium one-way services.  Also, a set-top box can be obtained directly from the cable or satellite provider.

A listing of the operational DTV stations is available at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html.  Satellite TV providers and most cable systems are currently offering DTV programming.  Subscribers should check with their service providers to see what programming is available in their area.

An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital decoder or DTV receiver.  In you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you will not need any additional equipment, with the exception of an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming.  Integrated TVs can usually receive and display current analog signals also.

In contrast, a DTV monitor is not capable of receiving DTV broadcast programming without addition equipment; it is simply a display device without the processing capability for DTV reception.  A DTV set-top decoder must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display over-the-air DTV programming.

Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top decoder is compatible with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing.  Most monitors have a built in analog receiver and can display regular analog TV programming.  They can also display standard resolution video from DVD players and VCRs.

In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals.  If you now need a roof-top antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV.

Your current television will work as it does now until analog broadcasting stops. Under federal law, analog service will continue until most homes (85%) in an area are able to watch the DTV programming.  Even after the transition is over, your current TV will not become obsolete.  A converter box can be used to receive broadcast DTV signals and change them into the format of your current television.  In addition, if you use your analog set with a multichannel pay service like cable or satellite, it will continue to work as it always has.  Even with a converter box, however, your current analog television will not be capable of displaying the full picture quality of DTV.  To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set. Subscribers to cable and DBS services should contact their providers regarding converter boxes for those services.

Most DTV sets have wider, more rectangular screens than current analog TVs. This widescreen format allows for images that are more like those shown in a movie theater.  Like current TV sets, a range of sizes is available.

As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction.  Prices are expected to continue to decrease over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features. For more information see the chart on.

Yes. Viewers cannot ignore the dramatic improvements offered by the DTV conversion. Visually, HDTV captures viewers with crystal clear resolution and razor sharp detail. Individual hairs, labels on footballs and the subtle effect of wind blowing through grass are all clearly visible through HDTV. Also, the detailed resolution and color provides an image akin to movie-theater screens. Combined with the capacity to deliver enhanced Dolby Digital surround sound, HDTV produces an advanced home theater effect. DTV provides viewers with sharper images, better sound, and more viewing options than have ever been available over the air.

You may have DTV if you subscribe to the digital package and get digital programming, often described as HDTV. But the digital cable tier and satellite service are not necessarily DTV. Your cable or satellite system may be using digital technology as a more efficient way of delivering analog programming to you. If you have an analog television set, then you are probably not getting DTV, even though the reception may be somewhat improved. Check with your cable or satellite provider to find out for sure.