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What is Digital Television?
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality.
DTV is more efficient and flexible than traditional broadcast technology known as analog. DTV allows stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously, instead of one channel at a time. DTV can also be used to provide future interactive video and data services not possible with analog.
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What are the benefits of DTV?
Digital television allows TV stations to offer new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures and sound quality, DTV enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is known as “multicasting.” DTV can also be used to provide data services (such as significantly enhanced closed captioning) not possible with traditional analog technology.
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Why is there a switch to Digital Television?
DTV is more flexible and efficient. The switch from the current analog system lets TV stations offer crystal clear pictures and sound, more channels, and even free, over-the-air high-definition television (HDTV) for viewers with HD television sets.
Today, the vast majority of America’s full-power TV stations already offer digital programming.
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When does the switch to Digital Television happen?
Under legislation passed by Congress – the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 – full-power over-the-air broadcast television stations must turn off their analog channels on June 12, 2009, and broadcast only in the digital format.
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Will I be affected by the switch to Digital Television?
You will be affected if you receive over-the-air signals through antennas on television sets equipped with analog tuners – and if you do not subscribe to a cable, satellite or a telephone company TV service.
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How do I get ready for the switch to Digital Television?
If you receive free, over-the-air signals on analog TV sets, you have three options:
- Purchase a DTV converter box that allows an analog TV to receive a digital signal.
- Purchase a television set with a built-in digital tuner; or
- Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service that carries your local TV stations.
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Tell me about the DTV converter boxes.
A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna. It adjusts the digital television signal for an analog TV. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue a household up to two coupons -- valued at $40 each -- to reduce converter box costs.
For information on how to get a coupon and where to purchase converter boxes, please log onto www.dtvanswers.com or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
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Where can I get more information about the switch to Digital Television?
For the most up-to-date information on the switch to Digital Television, please log onto www.dtvanswers.com or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
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