Digital TV Trainer's Helpful Digital TV Checklist

START HERE. Pick a TV that you use. What room or area is it located in?

Type the location here:

NEXT, ANSWER THIS QUESTION: How does that TV get the TV channels or signals you watch on it? Choose the best answer and click on the circle. The answer will appear automatically.

• You said: The TV is connected to a CABLE TV provider, such as Comcast, Time Warner, or Cox.
• You said: The TV is connected to a SATELLITE TV provider, such as DIRECTV or DISH Network.
• You said: The TV is connected to a TELEPHONE COMPANY TV or COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY provider, such as Verizon FiOS or AT&T U-Verse.
• You said: The TV is connected to a COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM which provides a TV signal to a group of apartments, condos, hotel rooms, dorm rooms, residences, or offices.
• You said: The TV is connected directly to a TV ANTENNA (either an indoor antenna or an outdoor antenna).
• You said: I don't know where that TV gets the TV channels. HELP!

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

GOOD NEWS! Cable TV companies have said they that they will continue to provide nearly all the same local TV station signals to your TV that they provide today, in an ANALOG TV format, after full power broadcast TV goes DIGITAL.

This situation may not last forever, since cable TV companies are required by law to offer ANALOG signals for only three years from the end of analog broadcasting.

Some cable TV companies, especially smaller ones, may not be able to provide ANALOG TV signals for every local TV station. And if a cable TV company has provided all their customers with the ability to receive TV channels over a digital cable SET TOP, then they don’t have to provide any ANALOG TV signals.

What do I need to do?

Probably nothing. But to be sure, during 2008, look for customer information from your cable TV provider that explains what they will do with local TV channels when TV goes DIGITAL. They might put messages on cable channels, in your bill or statement, on message channels, and in local advertisements.

What will it cost?

There should be no additional cost for your cable TV provider to continue to provide you with local ANALOG TV channels. However, if you chose to receive high definition TV (HDTV) channels over cable, including local stations, there may be a charge for receiving HDTV channels.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

GOOD NEWS!   Satellite TV companies are keeping the same technology that they use today to deliver ANALOG TV signals from SET TOP satellite receivers to your TV set, even after broadcast TV goes ALL-DIGITAL. They already convert local TV signals to digital signals for satellite transmission, and the SET TOP receivers change them back to ANALOG TV signals that you can watch on older analog TV sets.

If you are receiving your local TV channels over your satellite service, you should continue to receive the same channels after broadcast TV goes all-digital.

There may be a few cases, when local TV stations convert to all-digital, where a satellite service will temporarily lose access to a local TV channel that it presently carries.

What do I need to do?

Nothing, if you currently receive local TV channels over your satellite service. But to be sure, during 2008, look for customer information from your satellite TV provider that explains what they will do with local TV channels after TV goes all-digital. They might put messages in bills or statements, on message channels, and in advertisements where you live.

However, if some or all of your local TV channels are not presently carried by your satellite service, and you watch those channels now using an antenna, then you will need to take steps to watch those TV channels in digital using an antenna. Click on the "START OVER" button below, then choose this answer: "The TV is connected directly to a TV ANTENNA."

What will it cost?

There should be no additional cost for your satellite TV provider to continue to provide you with local ANALOG TV channels. However, if you chose to receive high definition TV (HDTV) channels over satellite, including local stations, there may be a charge for receiving the HDTV channels and it may require extra equipment such as a new dish and SET TOP receiver.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

GOOD NEWS! Telephone and communications companies that provide TV services have said they that they will continue to provide the same local ANALOG TV signals to your TV that they provide today, after full power broadcast TV goes DIGITAL.

This situation may not last forever, since these companies are required by law to offer ANALOG signals for only three years from the end of analog broadcasting. And some TV providers, especially smaller ones, may not be able to provide ANALOG TV signals for every local TV station.

What do I need to do?

Probably nothing. But to be sure, during 2008, look for customer information from your TV provider that explains what they will do with full power local TV channels after they go DIGITAL. They might put messages on ther channels, in your bill or statement, on message channels, and in local advertisements.

What will it cost?

There should be no additional cost for your TV provider to continue to provide you with local ANALOG TV channels. However, if you chose to receive high definition TV (HDTV) channels from your TV provider, including local stations, there may be a charge for receiving HDTV channels.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

That depends on where the TV SYSTEM signals come from, and what the COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM manager needs to do to get the system ready for DIGITAL TV.

First, where does the COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM get local TV station signals? The two main possibilities are:

1. The COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM receives local TV signals from a subscription TV service like CABLE TV or SATELLITE TV.
   
   In this case, the system manager may not need to take any action. CABLE TV and SATELLITE TV companies have said they that they will continue to provide the same local ANALOG TV signals to subscribers, including community TV systems, that they provide today, after full power broadcast TV goes DIGITAL.
   
   OR


2. The COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM receives local TV signals OVER-THE-AIR, using a TV ANTENNA.

In this case, the system is just passing a signal to your TV, and your TV is doing the work of tuning in the channels. COMMUNITY TV SYSTEMS like this can carry both ANALOG and DIGITAL TV signals, so the new digital signals should be able to reach your TV over the same antenna system. The COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM manager needs to make sure that local DIGITAL TV signals are coming through the system, and the manager can start testing this now, since most local TV stations are already broadcasting their new digital channels.

What do I need to do?

You need to find out from the manager of your COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM how the change to DIGITAL TV will affect your TV set.

If the COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM gets a cable or satellite signal, you probably won't need to do anything.

If the COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM gets its signal from an ANTENNA, the system manager must make sure that the new DIGITAL TV signals are coming through the same system to your TV. Then you must figure out how you can receive the DIGITAL TV signals. For help, start this Digital TV Checklist over and choose this answer: "The TV is connected directly to a TV antenna."

What will it cost?

If your COMMUNITY TV SYSTEM manager says that the TV signals you get will not change, there should be no cost to you.

If your TV signals come from an antenna and you have to prepare to receive DIGITAL TV signals, you may need to purchase a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX ($40 to $70, but a $40 government coupon is available). For information on DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOXES, click here.

Or you may choose to by new DIGITAL TV ($300 to - how big a TV do you want?). For information on buying a new TV, click here.

• You said: The TV has a DIGITAL TUNER.
• You said: The TV does not have a DIGITAL TUNER.

Let's figure this out.

On the chart below, there is a list of questions about your TV. Decide if the answer is yes or no for each question, and write it down.

On the right side are three columns for the three main sources of TV signals. Under each one is the likely answer to the question for that signal source.

Compare your answers to the answers in the columns on the right. Choose which column's answers are the closest to your answers. The top of that column will tell how your TV probably gets its signals.

Review the questions below and choose "yes" or "no" for your TV.	Your TV	Antenna (over-the-air signal)	Subscription TV service (cable, satellite)	Community TV System
Is the TV connected by a wire to either an inside antenna (usually has 2 metal arms, and maybe a round middle piece), or an outside antenna (which sits on a roof or chimney, and has several metal bars or rods)?		yes	no	no
Is the TV connected to NO signal source (no antenna or wire), and the only wire connected to the TV is the power cord?		yes	no	no
When you tune from channel 2 to channel 13, do some of the channels have no picture, just static or noise or a blank screen?		yes	no	maybe
When you tune from channel 2 to channel 13, does every channel have a picture to watch?		no	yes	maybe
Is there a satellite dish (outside) connected by wires directly to a set top receiver box, which is connected to your TV?		no	yes	no
Do you change the TV channels with a set top box? If there is a remote control, does it control the set top box, and not the TV?*		no	maybe	maybe
Are you paying a monthly or annual fee to get TV reception on the TV?		no	yes	maybe

* Do you change channels with a device like a videocassette recorder (VCR), a DVD player, or a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) such as a TiVo? If so, answer the questions above according to how the device gets the TV signal. For example, if you use a DVR to change channels, how does the DVR get the TV signal?

Compare your answers to the chart. Which column do your answers most closely match?

• Antenna (over-the-air)
• Subscription TV (cable, satellite, etc.)
• Community TV System

Now start the Digital TV Checklist over again and choose the best answer for how your TV gets signals.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

With a digital tuner in your TV, you are ready to watch digital TV signals now from local TV stations using the antenna.

What do I need to do?

This year, you should try to tune in the digital signals of your local TV stations. Then you can continue to watch local TV in digital when the analog transmissions end in 2009.

First, find a list of TV stations in your area broadcasting in digital. There is a list on this website; click on the button "TV Stations Broadcasting in Digital."

Second, make sure an indoor or outdoor antenna is connected to your TV.

Third, find out how to get your TV to tune "digital TV" (DTV) channels. Check your TV operation manual. You may have to choose "digital tuning" with the remote control. Or the digital tuner might appear after you tune through all the ANALOG channels.

Click through the channels to find digital broadcasts. Some stations may have more than one digital channel. Digital stations will have channel numbers with decimals or dashes (for instance, channels 6.1, 6.2, or 6-1, 6-2). The first channel ("dot - one") is usually the primary station channel.

If you have a HIGH DEFINITION TV (HDTV), one of the station's channels may be showing HIGH DEFINITION programs.

If you can’t receive all the local stations in digital, you may need to move the indoor antenna, or try an indoor antenna with an "amplifier," or install an outdoor antenna, to receive all the local stations. For more information on using a TV ANTENNA, click here.

There is a special group of TV stations that is NOT switching to DIGITAL broadcasting in 2009. This group is called "LOW POWER" TV stations, and it includes stations with "LP" in their names and "TRANSLATORS" that rebroadcast the signals of distant TV stations to rural and mountainous communities. "LOW POWER" stations are not required to change to digital broadcasting, so these stations will continue to broadcast in ANALOG. If your TV can tune both DIGITAL TV and ANALOG TV stations, you can easily keep watching all your local stations.

What will it cost?

If your present antenna picks up the local digital TV signals, you don't need to buy a new antenna.

Otherwise, you may need to buy an INDOOR ANTENNA ($10 - $50) or an OUTDOOR ANTENNA ($30 - $150; more for installation). For information on TV antennas, click here.

• You said: I want to continue watching the local TV channels on this TV set with an antenna.
• You said: I will buy a new digital TV to replace this TV set.
• You said: I will connect this TV set to a subscription TV provider like CABLE TV, SATELLITE TV, or TELEPHONE COMPANY TV to get local channels.
• You said: I will continue to use this TV as a MONITOR for watching DVDs, videotapes, video games, camcorder playback, etc.
• You said: I will just retire this TV and not use it anymore.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

This TV cannot receive the new digital channels. To be able to watch digital channels on this TV with an antenna, you will need a device that can receive digital TV signals and convert them to analog signals for your TV. The simplest choice for this is a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX.

DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOXES are about the size of a large book. They are stylish and have many convenient features including remote control, channel guides right on the TV screen, and easy-to-use closed captioning displays. You connect your antenna to the CONVERTER BOX, and connect the CONVERTER BOX to your TV.

Good news! To help Americans buy digital converter boxes for older TVs, Congress has created a TV CONVERTER BOX COUPON PROGAM. Through March, 2009, every US household can request one or two coupons worth $40 each. A $40 coupon can be applied to the purchase of one certified converter box at a retailer that is participating in the converter coupon program.

You can also purchase devices with DIGITAL TV TUNERS that include more expensive features such as digital video recorders (DVRs) or Internet connections. (These more sophisticated devices are not eligible for the converter coupon program payments.)

What do I need to do?

You should get and install a device with a digital tuner, like a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX, this year, and tune in the local station digital signals. For more information on DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOXES, click here.

There is a special group of TV stations that is NOT switching to all-digital broadcasting in 2009. This group is called "LOW POWER" TV stations, and they will continue to broadcast in ANALOG. The simpler DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOXES do not have an analog tuner, so they cannot receive these stations. You may want to continue watching LOW POWER stations in your community on your analog TV, even with the CONVERTER BOX connected. For information on watching ANALOG TV stations when you have a CONVERTER BOX, click here

What will it cost?

Digital TV converter boxes with basic functions cost between $40 and $70, but a converter coupon will reduce the cost by $40.

For more information on the government TV CONVERTER BOX COUPON PROGRAM, click here.

If your present antenna picks up the local digital TV signals, you don't need to buy a new antenna.

Otherwise, you may need to buy an INDOOR ANTENNA ($10 - $50) or an OUTDOOR ANTENNA ($30 - $150; more for installation). For information on TV antennas, click here.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

This TV cannot receive the new digital channels. You won't be able to watch full power local TV channels on it after broadcast TV goes DIGITAL.

You plan to buy a new digital TV. All TVs sold in the US today can receive digital signals. Plus they have other features like ANALOG TV RECEPTION, WIDESCREEN (16x9) viewing screens, thin designs, and new display technologies like LCD, PLASMA, and REAR PROJECTION. Most new TVs can also receive studio quality HIGH DEFINITION (HDTV) programs.

What do I need to do?

Digital TVs come in a variety of sizes, features, and prices. You need to consider how you will use the TV, where you will use it, and what you can afford to spend. For information on buying a new TV, click here.

When you install your new digital TV, see If your present antenna can pick up the local digital TV signals. Or you can subscribe to a TV provider like CABLE TV or SATELLITE TV.

What will it cost?

Digital TVs cost from about $300 up to thousands of dollars, depending on size and features. The digital TV market is very competitive, so be sure to shop around.

If your present antenna does not receive all the local stations, you may need to buy an INDOOR ANTENNA ($10 - $50) or an OUTDOOR ANTENNA ($30 - $150; more for installation). For information on TV antennas, click here.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

This TV cannot receive the new digital channels. You won't be able to watch local TV channels on it after broadcast TV goes DIGITAL.

What do I need to do?

You said you plan to connect this TV set to a subscription TV provider like CABLE, SATELLITE, or TELEPHONE COMPANY TV to get local channels. By doing that, you can continue to watch local TV broadcasts on this TV. You should plan to do this in 2008.

If you already have other TVs connected to a subscription TV provider, you can contact them to see how to get this TV connected to the service. A CABLE TV company may need to activate a non-used cable that is already installed in your home, or run a new cable from the cable distribution box to your TV.

If you have SATELLITE TV, you need to contact your provider or installer. You may need a new SET TOP receiver for the TV and a connection to the satellite dish, or a connection to another satellite receiver. You may be able to purchase and install these yourself.

Other TV providers, such as TELEPHONE COMPANIES, may need to provide a new SET TOP for the TV and a connection to the central network distribution box for your location.

If you don't have a subscription TV provider, you probably have several choices for receiving subscription TV. For more information subscribing to cable TV, satellite TV, or another provider, click here

What will it cost?

Getting your TV connected to your existing subscription TV provider might require a trip from an installer (with a trip charge; could be fixed or hourly rate) and possibly a new SET TOP or RECEIVER.

Getting your TV connected to a NEW subscription TV provider can include a hardware purchase, an installation fee, and a first month service fee. Discounts may be available for buying a package or "bundle" of services or for signing a long term contract, or both.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

This TV cannot receive the new digital channels. You won't be able to watch local TV stations on it unless you get a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX or subscribe to a TV service like CABLE TV or SATELLITE TV.

You can still use this TV as a MONITOR to watch video from any device that has a video and audio output. This includes:

• DVD players (but High Definition DVD players will not display the video in HD quality)
• Videocassette recorder/players (VCR)
• DVRs (DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS)
• Video games
• Camcorders
• Digital still cameras with video outputs
• Computers with video outputs
• PC-to-TV or Internet-to-TV viewing devices
• Portable video players, including MP3 players, video iPods

What do I need to do?

You need to see if your TV has "LINE" or "Audio-Video" or A-V" inputs. These are inputs for video and sound. These are usually on the back of TVs; sometimes they are on the front.

If you don't have "LINE" inputs on your TV, you can still watch your video devices on your TV by using an "RF Modulator," which converts the video outputs from your devices to a low power TV signal. The modulator is connected to the "antenna" terminal on the TV, and then you tune to the modulator channel (usually channel 3 or 4) to watch the video.

For more information on connecting you video devices to your TV, click here.

What will it cost?

If your TV has video inputs (either "RCA" or S-Video), to use it as a monitor you just need a 3 wire "audio-video" or "AV" cable ($5 to $25, depending on quality and length). Portable video players may need specialized cables with a plug to fit their outputs.

If you need an RF Modulator to connect a video source to your TV, that can cost $15 - $40, and you will still need the AV cable.

How does Digital TV affect this TV set?

This TV cannot receive the new digital channels. You won't be able to watch local TV channels on it after broadcast TV goes ALL-DIGITAL.

What do I need to do?

You have said you will retire this TV and not use it anymore. You might keep the TV if it is an attractive or useful piece of furniture. When you decide to get rid of it, here are options.

SELL THE TV. If you're thinking about selling the TV, you will probably not have much success. With millions of analog TVs losing broadcast reception in 2009, there will be many TVs available, and therefore very little resale value for analog TVs.

CHARITABLE DONATION. You can to explore donating the TV to a charitable organization or service group. To make the TV useful, you can purchase a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX to go with it, and you can apply one of the coupons that the government will issue to your household to the purchase a converter. For information on the TV converter box coupon program, click here. Look for charitable organizations in your area that will accept donations of analog TVs.

GIVE THE TV AWAY. You can see if anyone in your area would like to get your TV for free. A national Internet-based organization called "Freecycle" allows people to list items that they want to give away on the Internet, on a Freecycle list for their home areas. Others interested in getting those items can reply by e-mail. Joining Freecycle and listing items to give away is free. For information on this program, go to www.freecycle.org.

RECYCLE THE TV. If you are getting rid of the TV and don’t give it to others who will use it, you must arrange to recycle it. TV sets contain materials which can pose a risk to human health, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. They do not belong in the trash, and ultimately in landfills, where they can contaminate soil and water. In a few states it is illegal to put consumer electronics items in the trash. Most communities have several recycling options for old electronics, including municipal programs, waste company programs, and retail store programs which sometimes give credit toward new purchases. For more information on recycling your TV, click here.

What will it cost?

Donating a TV may require you to deliver the TV to the recipient, if they can't pick it up. You might pay for a TV converter box to make the donated TV useful.

If you give the TV away, the recipient may agree to pick up the TV, at no cost to you.

If you recycle the TV, you will probably have to deliver the TV to a recycling location. Some recycling programs charge a fee for accepting electronics. The fee can be based on the size or weight of the recycled items, and is used to offset the cost of transporting and processing the items.