What is the Digital TV transition?
The digital TV transition refers to the time period during which broadcasters are making the switch from analog to digital broadcasting. On February 17, 2009, the nation’s broadcast television stations will begin broadcasting exclusively in digital.

Why is the government implementing the digital transition?
Changing over to a digital format will reduce the amount of signal spectrum the nation's TV broadcasting system uses, freeing up extra capacity for first-responders such as local police and fire departments to enhance the way they react to emergencies.  In addition, changing to digital broadcasting lets TV stations send clearer signals through the air. Picture and sound quality will be better. 

What should I do first to prepare for TV's digital transition?
First, take an inventory of the television sets in your home. Even if you're a cable customer, you may have one or more sets that aren't hooked up to cable.  These secondary sets are likely to be "analog" -- that is, they probably don't have the digital tuners that are featured in all of the "digital" TV sets available today. These older sets won't be able to tune in the digital signals that TV stations will start broadcasting in February 2009.

How do I know if my TV is digital ready?
Typically, TVs purchased in the last few years that are 25 inches or larger have digital tuners embedded so a separate converter is not needed to receive and display the over-the-air digital signals. Check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to be certain. Here are some general guidelines:

·         If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably doesn't have a digital tuner.

·         If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it's possible there's a built-in digital tuner inside. But chances aren't great. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.

·         If you've purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold at popular electronics stores have featured digital tuners that will let you receive the new digital over-the-air broadcasts starting in February 2009.

What do I need to do to receive digital signals?
If you don’t have Cox cable or Cox digital cable, you will need to subscribe to cable, purchase an analog-to-digital converter or purchase a new digital television.  Cox subscribers will not need to take any action to receive digital programming.  For at least three years after this deadline, Cox will continue to offer analog broadcast signals to customers who do not receive Cox’s digital services.

Will I need a new TV if I have an analog TV?
When broadcast stations stop analog service, you will still be able to use your analog TV to view over-the-air broadcast content if your TV is hooked up to cable, or if  you purchase a special digital to analog converter box that will be available at retail locations. 

Who will pay for the special converter that analog customers will need?
If you decide to purchase a converter, the government will help you pay for the necessary equipment. Beginning January 1, 2008, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons to be used towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.  Consumers may call toll free 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) in English and Spanish for updates. Coupon Program details, Frequently Asked Questions and a program brochure are online: www.dtvtransition.org

When will the converter boxes be available for purchase?
The converter boxes are slated to be available for purchase in mid-February 2008.  Several national retail chains have already committed to selling the boxes. They include: Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Target, Sears, Kmart and RadioShack.