DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION

What is digital television (DTV)?

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. The technology allows the transmission of several "standard definition" TV programs at once (called "multicasting"). The pictures are similar in clarity and detail to the best TV pictures being received and displayed today using the current analog broadcast system.

How is DTV different than the current television system ("analog") that's been in use for over 50 years?

DTV allows a number of new and better services. Broadcasters can offer far higher picture and sound quality than exists with existing "analog" technology. They can also offer several different TV programs at the same time. 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.

Is DTV the same as HDTV (High Definition Television)?

HDTV is one way DTV is being used. DTV also covers multicasting and datacasting. HDTV falls under the DTV umbrella.

Why are we switching to DTV?

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. 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 (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads).

Will I need a new TV?

Not necessarily. You can purchase a DTV/HDTV receiver box and an antenna at a local electronics store (Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.) to receive DTV stations over the air for free. The receiver box will allow you to watch the DTV programming on your existing TV set. In general, the stronger the antenna you use, the more DTV stations you will be able to receive. However, by purchasing a new digital TV set you can take advantage of everything DTV has to offer (including High Definition television). For more detailed information on DTV Equipment, please visit our DTV "Quick Steps" page.

Are DTV Stations available through my cable company?

Some DTV Stations are carried by local cable systems. Each cable system is different in what they offer to subscribers, but they generally charge an extra fee to see the DTV Channels. To watch our DTV signal you need to use an over the air TV antenna -- rabbit ears (indoor) or rooftop (outdoor) -- along with your DTV equipment. There is no subscription needed to receive the programming this way.

If you'd like to learn more about digital television, please visit http://www.dtv.gov. For a handy consumer's guide to digital television, visit the following link provided by the Federal Communications Commission: http://dtv.gov/DTV_booklet.pdf

ION Television on DTV (Quick Steps)

You will need an over-the-air receiver (some DTV's now have this built in), and an over-the-air antenna to watch ION Television through. These can be purchased at retail stores like Best Buy, Circuit City or Radio Shack. There are also several excellent online sources for state-of-the-art receivers and antennas.

If you own (or are considering a purchase of) an HDTV Monitor or "HDTV Ready" Monitor, you should purchase a HDTV/DTV Broadcast Receiver and over-the-air antenna.

If you own (or are considering a purchase of) an "Integrated DTV/HDTV" or "HDTV with Tuner" you should purchase an over-the-air antenna.

As time goes on more DTV sets in stores will be "Integrated DTV/HDTV". Beginning in 2006, all digital televisions sold will need to be "Integrated" (a Digital TV with a built in receiver).

Note that some retailers and manufacturers have created confusion by not clearly identifying the difference between HDTV monitors (no tuner included, designed to be used with a set-top box) and Integrated DT/HDTVs (tuner included, no set-top box required for viewing over the air signals).

If you are not yet considering a purchase of a DTV/HDTV set, you should purchase a DTV Broadcast Receiver and over-the-air antenna for your analog TV set.

To find out what type of antenna you will need, you can visit the following website, enter your zip code and enter the station you will be watching: www.antennaweb.org

It is our recommendation if you are purchasing an indoor antenna that you purchase an "amplified antenna" (one that plugs into the wall) with as much "gain" as possible (at least 40Db).

If you already have a Digital Television (HDTV, EDTV, SDTV):

Check to see if you are serviced by a DTV Station carrying ION Television.

Check to see if your Digital Television has a broadcast tuner (aka "integrated"). If not, obtain a set top converter box.*

Visit antennaweb.org for an antenna recommendation.

Purchase the necessary antenna and set top converter box if applicable.

Install your new equipment and enjoy ION Television.

If you do not own a Digital Television (and do not plan on Purchasing a new DTV set):

Check to see if you are serviced by a DTV Station carrying ION Television.

Visit antennaweb.org for an antenna recommendation.

Purchase the necessary antenna and obtain a set top converter box* for each television connected to an antenna.

Install your new equipment and enjoy ION Television.

* The federal government is offering a coupon program to offset the cost of DTV set top converter boxes starting January 1, 2008. All US households are eligible for 2 coupons valued at $40 each on a first come, first serve basis. More information can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/faq.html