You may have heard about it and wonder what it means to you, or have no idea what we're talking about. Either way, your friends at Cox would like to clear up some of the confusion and help you prepare for the Digital Transition. Rest assured - all TV's hooked up to Cox cable or Cox Digital Cable will continue to receive a signal. NO action is necessary.
What is the Digital Transition? The Digital Transition is the time period during which TV broadcasters will switch their television signals from analog to digital technology. The United States Congress mandated that by June 12, 2009, all television broadcast stations must return their analog spectrum to the government and broadcast only in digital signals over the public airwaves. After this date, all analog television sets that rely on "rabbit ears" to access local broadcast stations will not be able to receive any signals.
Why a Digital Transition? The government is implementing this change to reduce the amount of signal spectrum used by the nation's TV broadcasting system, freeing up extra capacity for first-responders such as local police and fire departments to enhance their ability to react to emergencies. In addition, changing to digital broadcasting lets TV stations send clearer signals through the air. Your TV's picture and sound quality will now be even better.
Are your televisions ready for the Digital Transition? If you have an older television not connected to cable in your home, you will need to determine if it has a digital tuner. Typically, TVs purchased in the last few years that are 25 inches or larger have digital tuners built-in, so a separate converter is not needed to receive and display over-the-air digital signals. Check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to be certain.
Here are some general guidelines to determine if your TV has a built-in digital tuner:
If you bought your TV set before 1998, it most likely doesn't have a digital tuner.
If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it's possible there is a built-in digital tuner, but chances are there may not be. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (generally only those 43 inches or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.
If you've purchased a new TV since 2004, chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold at popular electronics stores featured digital tuners that will let you receive the new digital over-the-air broadcasts starting in June 2009.
What should I do if my TV does not have a built-in digital tuner?
If you determine that you have an analog television that is not connected to Cox, you have three options to prepare you for the Digital Transition:
1. Connect all TVs in your home to Cox Cable If you are a Cox Cable customer and you have a TV in your home that is not currently connected to cable, you can call us to schedule an additional outlet installation. All TVs connected to Cox will receive these broadcasts television stations, and many more. Cox customers will not need to take any action to receive digital programming as a result of the broadcast DTV transition. Cox is continuing to offer analog broadcast signals to customers who do not receive Cox's digital services.
2. Purchase an analog-to-digital converter You can purchase an analog-to-digital converter for use with your existing analog-only television. If you decide to purchase a converter, the government will help you pay for it. Beginning January 1, 2008, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons to be used towards the purchase of an analog to digital converter. Consumers may call 1-88-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) for updates. Coupon program details, frequently asked questions and additional program information are available online at www.dtvtransition.org. The converter boxes are slated to be available for purchase in the first quarter 2008 at select major electronics retailers.
3. Purchase a new digital television If you're in the market for a new TV, don't let this issue confuse you. As of March 1, 2007, U.S. retailers were no longer allowed to sell analog-only TVs. New TV sets 13 inches and larger include embedded digital tuners, the necessary technology to receive digital signals. In fact, most televisions sold in recent years that are 25 inches and above already have a digital tuner included. If you are unsure about your existing television, check your owner's manual or go to the manufacturer's website for more information.
