All You Need to Know About the DTV Conversion

Update for antenna users:  To get ready for the transition to digital TV that happens in February 2009, WRAL has to change out equipment at the top of our 2000-foot tower.

During the swap, which begins Monday, Sept. 29, the station will have to broadcast from an auxiliary antenna, which means some viewers – those who watch over the air without cable or satellite, might have trouble seeing Channel 5.

But don't worry, the signal will be back at strength by February.

In the meantime, if you have trouble viewing WRAL-TV, try adjusting your antenna, moving it to a different part of the room or getting a rooftop antenna.

For more questions, send an e-mail to WRAL's engineers.

If you purchased your TV after March 1, 2007, then it has a digital receiver. If you purchased your TV before that date, then look for certain words on the set or in the owner’s manual to determine if you have a DTV tuner.

DTV Labels Found on TVs That Have DTV Tuners 

If your TV is labeled with “analog” or “NTSC” and is not labeled as containing a digital tuner, then it contains an analog tuner only and will not work after Feb. 17, 2009, unless you purchase a DTV converter box or a new TV.

See also:

• What Is The Difference Between a DTV Monitor and a DTV Tuner?
• What Is The Difference between DTV and HDTV?  Do I Have to Have HDTV?

See also:

• Do I Need a Special Antenna to Get DTV or HDTV?
• Tips for Receiving Over-the-Air HDTV

DTV converter boxes are expected to go on sale in February 2008. You can now request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is expected to begin mailing out the coupons in mid-February 2008. The coupons must be redeemed within three months of receipt. To apply for coupons, call 1-888-388-2009 or follow this link: TV Converter Box Coupon Program 

What's a Converter Box?

A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog TV set and your outdoor antenna or rabbit ears and converts the digital television signal into analog. This makes digital television viewable on your older, analog TV after the DTV transition.

If your TV is connected to cable, satellite or other pay-television service, then you likely do not need a DTV converter box. If you have a TV with a built-in digital tuner, then you will not need a converter box either.

See also:

• TV Converter Box Coupon Program
• Where to buy a converter box
  

DTV broadcast technology is more flexible and efficient than today’s more widespread broadcast technology, which is called “analog.” For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog programming signal, a broadcaster will be able to provide a sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" digital programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams using the digital spectrum is called "multi-casting." The number of programs a station can send using the digital spectrum depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution" in each programming stream. DTV can provide picture resolution, interactive video and data services that easily surpass the capabilities of “analog” technology. Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as public and safety services (police and fire departments, emergency rescue) and advanced wireless services.

More DTV Resources

  
Recent news coverage:

• Consumer Reports tests DTV converter boxes
• Some viewers may have trouble seeing WRAL-TV signal
• Digital TV coupons expiring too fast for some viewers
• Digital TV trial triggers 1,828 complaints in Wilmington
• Satellite service causes complaints in digital TV test

Video:

• DTV 411: Ready for the Digital Switch?
• David Crabtree Discusses the Change to DTV
• Learn About Digital TV

Links:

• DTV Answers official site
• DTV Glossary
• Where to Find WRAL on Your Tuner
• What Is HDTV?
• Digital and HD Resources
• Ask WRAL's Engineers Your Questions

• DTV Converter Box Coupon Program
• FCC Consumer Facts on DTV
• Picking the Right Antennae
• DTVAnswers.com
• Retailers of DTV converter boxes

 Frequently Asked Questions

 What is The Difference Between a DTV Monitor and an Integrated DTV Tuner?

An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital receiver and decoder. If you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you only need an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming. Integrated TVs also can receive and display current analog signals. In contrast, a digital monitor is not capable of receiving and tuning DTV programming without additional equipment. A DTV set-top box must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display DTV programming that is broadcast over the air. Also, if you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you may need a new set-top box to receive digital broadcast content. Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top box is compatible and has the proper connectors to interface with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing. Many monitors have a built-in analog receiver and can display analog TV programming. They also can display video from DVD players and VCRs through their connectors.

What is The Difference Between DTV and HDTV? Do I Have to Have HDTV?

DTV, or digital television, is not the same at HDTV, or high-definition television.  Both are digital signals, but HDTV offers a superior picture quality.  Both DTV and HDTV are much higher quality than the traditional analog signal.  You do not have to get an HDTV tuner to get DTV, however if you are purchasing a new television you may find the increased cost for an HDTV worth the price.

Do I Need a Special Antenna to Get DTV or HDTV?

An antenna used for watching analog TV over the air can also be used for digital TV, including HDTV. Viewers in some areas, however, will find that a better antenna – a rooftop one, perhaps – is needed to ensure reliable digital TV reception.

However, digital signals do not work exactly like analog signals. Essentially, you will either get a perfect digital signal for a particular channel, or nothing at all.  It’s what’s referred to as the “cliff effect,” which means you’ll either get the station, or you won’t.  If you’re in an area with marginal reception, you may find it frustrating to watch – and may need to upgrade your antenna – or consider cable or satellite service.

What About Digital Receiver Availability and FCC Tuner Requirements?

Remember, even with a set-top converter box, your current analog TV will not display the full picture quality of DTV. To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set or a separate DTV receiver and a digital display monitor. The FCC requires that many new television receivers sold in the U.S. today include the capability to receive digital TV signals. By March 2007, all TVs (and other devices that are designed to receive broadcast television signals) were required to have digital tuners built in.

When Will the DTV Transition Be Complete?

TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through Feb. 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses.

Want to know more about what WRAL is doing?

Read a copy of our latest report filed with the FCC.