Email This Page     |     Print This Page     |    

Comments?     |     Share This Link

ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY   |   Current Policy Issues

DTV Transition Background

On February 17, 2009, the era of analog transmissions of full-power television broadcast stations in the United States will end. After this date, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only. While this change will mark the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it won't signal the end of free broadcast television, and the broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009, would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital.

Consumers that subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite aren't likely to be affected by the switch, but if those who currently receive analog television over the air or via an antenna, will need to take action. As a national association, NASCIO is an outreach partner for the Federal Communications Commissions for the digital television transition.

Why is the switch to DTV important to NASCIO and state governments?
An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments and other first responders). Congress has directed that TV broadcasters transition to digital broadcast technology and vacate the spectrum in order to accommodate wireless commercial and public safety uses of the spectrum. NASCIO supports the analog-to-digital transition and the February 17, 2009 deadline because state and local public safety agencies urgently need this valuable spectrum in order to protect their constituents and communicate effectively during the next natural disaster or terrorist attack. Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband). The conversion will produce an additional 108 MHz (698-806 MHz or 700 MHz spectrum band) that may be used by public safety services and by the private sector. In addition, there are other important reasons NASCIO supports broader public outreach and awareness on the DTV transition:

• Ensure citizens still using over-the-air (OTA) television broadcast signals in 2009 will continue to receive state government alerts, warnings and information notices.
• Generally ensure that seniors, consumers in rural areas, consumers on tribal lands, consumers with disabilities and low income and minority and non-English speaking communities are not disenfranchised by the DTV transition.
• Ensure citizens still using OTA broadcast signals in 2009 will continue to receive broadcasts of state legislative sessions, hearings, addresses, speeches by governors and public affairs programming over public television stations.
• Based on citizen surveys, many use broadcast TV as an information source for government problem-solving and information. Ensure certain citizens still using OTA broadcast signals in 2009 will continue to have TV as this information resource.

More Information about DTV Transition

Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009, cut-off date, but should contact their provider to find out if anything is needed to be prepared for the February deadline. Consumers who own analog televisions will have several choices. A consumer can: purchase an analog-to-digital converter box to continue using their analog television; purchase a digital television set; subscribe to cable or satellite services (households that subscribe to cable or satellite services should check with their provider to determine whether new equipment is otherwise required); or choose not to use their analog television set. Congress has created and funded a coupon program to help consumers with the first option. For the details, visit the NTIA Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program at www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon.

There are many sources of information about the digital transition but one of the best is the government's Web site www.dtv.gov. It contains information on what DTV is, questions consumers should ask when purchasing new television sets, what programs are available in DTV, and much more.