techTalk: What DTV Transition Day means to you

Since television entered American homes in glorious black and white transmissions, programs have been broadcast over the air in analog format. Simply put, whatever channel you are tuned to, that’s the only broadcast you are receiving at that one time.

Enter the 21st century. The majority of television stations in the U.S. are still transmitting over-the-air signals you can pick up with any television equipped with an antenna or even adjustable “rabbit ears.” In many rural areas, this is the only way many people can have access to television signals.

(Keep in mind, this is not how cable or satellite customers receive television programming. I’ll get to you guys later).

In about a year, the way in which many U.S. citizens receive television broadcasts will change.

The United States Congress has mandated that February 17, 2009, Digital Television Transition (DTV Transition) Day, is the last day full-power television stations will be able to broadcast analog signals.

Here’s where it gets tricky.

Full-power television stations simply means any station broadcasting to a very large area. Smaller television stations that broadcast to smaller areas will not need to make this switch. In fact, they will be able to broadcast just as they always have.

The DTV transition will mean full-powered television stations will have to broadcast over-the-air signals digitally. Stations will be able to broadcast their channels in a couple of new ways. They will be able to offer high-definition channels or split a standard definition channel into sub-channels. For example, channel 5 may be divided into three separate channels such as 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3, each sub-channel with its own show.

If you are watching over-the-air broadcasts via antenna, I’m willing to bet the majority of those broadcasts are from full-power television stations. So if you’re sitting down to enjoy the latest LOST episode on DTV Transition Day, you may find yourself only able to enjoy a special on the mating habits of wild water buffalo on the analog channel you never knew you had.

The only televisions that will be able to receive DTV signals are digitally enabled televisions. If your television was purchased in the last eight years, there is a good chance it is digitally enabled. You can check the back of the television to see if there are any labels mentioning the inclusion of a “digital tuner.” If your television’s stickers or packaging say anything like “DTV,” “HDTV,” “Digital Receiver,” or “ATSC,” it should be fine. If you’re not able to find anything claiming the television is digitally enabled, try looking it up on the Internet by the brand and model number.

If you don’t have a digitally enabled television, don’t throw your old analog television out just yet! You can get an inexpensive solution from your local electronics store. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are starting to be displayed on shelves everywhere. This device will take the digital signal from your antenna and convert it to an analog signal your television can understand. Government approved coupons are even available to any American household to help with the purchase of one of these boxes. Visit www.dtv2009.gov to apply.

Cable and satellite customers will need to do some manual footwork in order to see if they will need to prepare for the DTV Transition. The majority of satellite and cable customers will not be affected since you already receive your broadcasts through a proprietary box. Contact your service provider if you have any questions.

Luckily for you, I’ve already done some research into the local service providers. Cox Cable states on its Web site that it will down-convert digital signals to analog television owners for three years after February 17, 2009. Mediacom customers will need to wait closer to the transition day to find out what they will need to do. Mediacom had no information either way when I contacted its customer service.

Many television stations, cable providers and satellite providers already serve digital signals. Again, contact customer service if you’re interested in upgrading.

The DTV transition will free up many broadcasting spectrums for commercial and government use. This is also the first step in bringing truly digital content into homes across America.