Q: I just bought a 32-inch Panasonic television last year. Do I need to be worried?
A: Probably not. Most televisions sold in the U.S. now are already digital compatible. As of May 25, 2007, businesses have been required to either sell televisions that are digital compatible or label them as noncompatible.
Q: I’ve got a 27-inch RCA television that I bought in 1990. Does that mean it won’t work next year?
A: Not necessarily. If you’re a cable subscriber or get television service through a satellite, the provider will already convert the signal to your television. If you get your signal over an antenna, you’ll need to get a converter box.
Q: Where do I get a converter box?
A: A box may be purchased independently from electronics stores and other retailers, including online, or be installed by a cable or satellite company.
Q: Does it cost a lot?
A: Between $50 and $70. But from now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to buy digital-to-analog converter boxes for over-the-air signals.
For more about the program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, go to www.dtv2009.gov.
Q: If I’ve still got a question about my television, what do I do?
A: If you cannot determine whether your TV contains a digital tuner, check for the manufacturer name and model number, and then contact your consumer electronics retailer, or the manufacturer. This information also may be available online through the manufacturer’s Web site.
Q: What about my VCR?
A: VCRs, DVD players, camcorders and video games will continue to work after the change, even if they are only analog-capable. Such equipment, however, may not provide digital-quality picture and sound. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality.
Q: Why did the federal government do this?
A: Congress dictated the change to free up frequencies for public safety communications, such as police, fire and emergency rescue, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Digital is also considered a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options, according to the FCC.
Q: What’s the difference between digital and analog?
A: It’s very technical. An analog signal is continuous, while a digital signal is broken into a series of ones and zeroes.
Q: Is digital the same as high-definition?
A: No. All high-definition signals are digital, but not all digital signals are high-definition. Most, but not all, digital televisions are HDTVs. High-definition signals may be received either over the air, through cable, via satellite or from game systems. Newer computer graphics cards and the two standard DVD systems, Blu-ray and HD, are HD compatible. All broadcasts appear better on high-definition televisions, but only high-definition broadcasts will show the full effect.
For more information on the changeover from analog to digital, go to the Federal Communications Commission Web site, www.fcc.gov or the National Cable &Telecommunications Association Web site, www.ncta.com.
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