FAQ: The Transition to Digital Television

The biggest change to television broadcasting since the advent of color will occur on Tuesday, February 17, when radio towers will start sending a digital signal--though Congress is currently debating whether to postpone the date. After the switch, older televisions receiving signals over the air with an antenna will not be able to tune in, potentially affecting over 7 million households still unprepared for the switch, according to Nielsen. Here are some common questions about the transition, and the answers you need to know.

Do I need to buy a new television?

No. But if your TV lacks an ATSC digital tuner, you'll need to buy a digital converter box. The federal government has a coupon program that will cover US$40 toward the cost of a new converter box, which starts at around $50. I purchased a Lasonic LTA-250 for $50 from Amazon; it cost me only $10 after the $40 coupon and free shipping. The devices largely work in the same way, though some models add perks such as a program guide. The converter will also display HDTV signals in standard definition.

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

The biggest change to television broadcasting since the advent of color will occur on Tuesday, February 17, when radio towers will start sending a digital signal--though Congress is currently debating whether to postpone the date. After the switch, older televisions receiving signals over the air with an antenna will not be able to tune in, potentially affecting over 7 million households still unprepared for the switch, according to Nielsen. Here are some common questions about the transition, and the answers you need to know.

Do I need to buy a new television?

No. But if your TV lacks an ATSC digital tuner, you'll need to buy a digital converter box. The federal government has a coupon program that will cover US$40 toward the cost of a new converter box, which starts at around $50. I purchased a Lasonic LTA-250 for $50 from Amazon; it cost me only $10 after the $40 coupon and free shipping. The devices largely work in the same way, though some models add perks such as a program guide. The converter will also display HDTV signals in standard definition.

Where do I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?

The government has set up the dtv2009.gov Web site and a phone number (888/DTV-2009), through which every household can order up to two coupons worth $40 each toward a new DTV tuner. The coupon program is run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a division of the Department of Commerce, which maintains a list of approved DTV-tuner devices eligible for the coupon discount. You can also find a list of retail stores where you can buy or order set-top boxes and redeem the coupon. The coupons carry an expiration date. I received my coupons about three weeks after ordering from the site, and my DTV tuner took another week to arrive, so you should order now. If you try to apply but you get a message saying no more coupons are available, don't fear: Your name should go on a waiting list, for when additional funds free up from unclaimed coupons.

Do I need a new antenna?

Possibly. I just attached my old rabbit-ears antenna to the tuner, and the signal came in fine--DTV uses a radio band that's within the same VHF and UHF range as traditional signals are. Your reception experience will vary, however, and depending on a number of factors--including your proximity to the DTV signal--you may need a new antenna. If you have trouble receiving signals after you install your DTV tuner, you may want to try replacing your antenna to see if reception improves. Many companies are selling antennas specially designed for use with the DTV converter boxes' digital signals. But the days of wrapping an antenna in foil or making a friend stand next to the television are probably over, since neither tactic is likely to help.

Will my picture quality improve?

Probably. Digital channels, including HD, come in clear and crisp--when they come in at all. Unlike analog signals, for which interference or poor reception might produce static or "ghosts" in the image, DTV either displays or it doesn't: Channels with poor signals generally won't resolve at all, and if they do, they'll display in scattered blocks or images, or the audio and video will skip every few seconds.

For more PC news, visit PC World. Story copyright PC World Communications, Inc.