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Digital TV Transition (DTV) FAQs
When will the Digital Transition (DTV) happen?
What is the Digital Transition (DTV)?
Why is the Digital Transition (DTV) happening?
Will my television work after the Digital Transition (DTV)?
How do I know if my TV has a digital tuner?
If I'm a Basic (analog) Cable customer, will I have to sign
up for Digital Cable/HD programming?
As a Oceanic Time Warner Cable customer, will my
channel lineups change?
Will my Oceanic Time Warner Cable DVR be impacted?
Will Oceanic Time Warner Cable prices go up?
What is a TV digital-to-analog converter box?
Do I need a digital-to-analog converter box if I have cable?
What is the TV digital-to-analog converter box coupon
program?
How do I get my coupons?
Is the government going to help me buy a new TV or add
cable services?
Can I start using my TV digital-to-analog converter box now
or do I need to wait until after February 17, 2009, for it to
work?
Will I receive high-definition TV with a digital-to-analog
converter box?
Q: When will the Digital Transition (DTV) happen?
A: |
The DTV transition will take place at midnight on February 17, 2009. |
Q: What is the Digital Transition (DTV)
A: |
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders. |
Q: Why is the Digital Transition (DTV) happening?
A: |
Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience. Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services. |
Q: Will my television work after the Digital Transition (DTV)?
A: |
If your TVs are connected to a pay service such as cable or satellite, they will continue to work, as will newer TV sets equipped with digital tuners. Analog television sets receiving free TV using rabbit ears or an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. |
Q: How do I know if my TV has a digital tuner?
A: |
Many TVs sold in the last few years include a digital tuner. To find out for sure, consult your TV owner's manual, look up your TV on the manufacturer's website or take the quiz at: http://www.dtvtransition.org. |
Q: If I'm a Basic (analog) Cable customer, will I have to sign up for Digital Cable/HD programming?
A: |
No. Any Basic Cable setup will do. But now is a good time to consider upgrading to Digital Cable, where you'll get more channels, as well as On Demand Programming, a free upgrade to HD service, an interactive program guide and more. |
Q: As a Oceanic Time Warner Cable Customer, will my channel lineups change?
A: |
In most cases, we do not expect that they will change as a result of the DTV transition. But we continually look for opportunities to add more programming and enhance our channel lineup. |
Q: Will my Oceanic Time Warner Cable DVR be impacted?
A: |
No. Your DVR will continue to work without interruption. |
Q: Will Oceanic Time Warner Cable prices go up?
A: |
There will be no price change directly related to this conversion. |
Q: What is a TV digital-to-analog converter box?
A: |
A TV digital-to-analog converter box is a new product available in early 2008 for non-cable customers that plugs into your existing analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV digital-to-analog converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV digital-to-analog converter box. |
Q: Do I need a digital-to-analog converter box if I have cable?
A: |
TVs connected to cable do not require a TV digital-to-analog converter box. |
Q: What is the TV digital-to-analog converter box coupon program?
A: |
Congress created the TV digital-to-analog converter box coupon program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. |
Q: How do I get my coupons?
A: |
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), by going online at www.dtv2009.gov or by mailing their application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be mailed to requesters. |
Q: Is the government going to help me buy a new tv or add cable services?
A: |
No. The government program only subsidizes the cost of the digital-to-analog converter boxes. |
Can I start using my TV digital-to-analog converter box now or do I need to wait until after February 17, 2009, for it to work?
A: |
Consumers can begin enjoying the benefits of DTV today. Because most full-power stations are currently broadcasting both in digital and analog, viewers can plug in their digital-to-analog converter boxes and generally receive a clearer picture and “multicast” channels, where they are available. |
Q: Will I receive high-definition TV with a digital-to-analog converter box?
A: |
No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying high-definition resolution. If you want to view high-definition TV, then you will need one of the newer sets rated for “high-definition” resolution. |
Still Have Questions?
Oceanic Time Warner Cable will continue to keep you informed during the ‘digital transition.’ However, if you have additional questions in the meantime, the Web sites below can help.
www.dtv.gov/consumercorner
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv
www.fcc.gov/dtv
www.dtvtransition.org
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