Digital Switch

Digital Switch:  All full-power broadcast stations will begin transmitting in a digital format only starting February 17, 2009.  Congress mandated this conversion to free up analog frequencies for public safety communications such as police, fire and emergency rescue.

For television viewers, this means a better picture and sound quality, as well as more programming options, although the greatest enhancements will be when you watch HDTV channels.

If you receive your TV programming by cable or satellite, your viewing won’t be interrupted.  These providers are not under any mandates in the DTV switch.  However, if you receive your TV signal via free off-air antenna, you  need to do some checking.  If your television has a built-in digital tuner (integrated DTV) or a digital ready monitor, you’re OK.  (This was required for all sets sold after May 25, 2007.)  Otherwise, you  need to purchase a separate digital tuner set-type box, which will be available at retail stores.  Local television stations should be offering coupons to help with this purchase very soon.