If you’re shopping for a TV these days, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises that you need to pay attention to more than just the screen size, slim profile and picture quality. Because of the upcoming February 17, 2009 conversion that all full-power broadcast television stations in the U.S. will make from analog to digital, your new TV needs to include a digital tuner.
The conversion from analog to digital broadcasting, mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will improve television picture and sound, and increase the possibility of more programming choices. Converting to digital will also mean that the newly vacated space on the broadcast spectrum can be used for important public and safety services such as police and fire departments and for advanced wireless services.
VDACS Commissioner Todd P. Haymore explains why choosing a digital TV makes sense if you are in the market for a new set. “You don’t need to buy a new TV to be ready for the conversion from analog to digital. But, if you are already shopping for a new TV, make sure you select one that includes a digital tuner. If you have a digital TV, you can continue to watch television after the February 17, 2009 conversion without making any changes. However, if you receive free TV programming using rabbit-ears or a roof-top antenna, that means you have an analog TV and you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch TV on that set.”
To determine if your TV is digital, look for statements in the product information that came with the TV or for labels or markings on the TV to indicate that it contains a digital tuner. These labels or markings may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” (High Definition television). Find information about digital-to-analog converter boxes at the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and to find $40 coupons to help pay for them, or call 1.888.388.2009 (voice) or 1.877.530.2634 (TTY).
To assist consumers who are considering the purchase of a new TV, the FCC enacted a digital tuner rule which specifies that as of March 1, 2007, all new TVs must include digital tuners. This rule prohibits the manufacture, import or interstate shipment of any device containing an analog tuner, unless it also contains a digital tuner.
However, despite this prohibition on manufacture and shipment, retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory. As a result, at the point of sale, many consumers may not be aware that this equipment will not be able to receive over-the-air-television signals after February 17, 2009. To address this issue, the FCC requires sellers to display a Consumer Alert disclosing that they are selling TV equipment with only an analog broadcast tuner. The text of the alert also makes it clear that this television receiver will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the nation’s transition to digital broadcasting.
For more information about the conversion to digital TV, visit the Federal Communication Commission’s digital television Web site or call the FCC at 1.888.225.5322 or 1.888.835.5322 (TTY).
