Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
November 2007
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
Download PDF version [PDF]
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
On February 17, 2009, all full-power television broadcast stations will be required to stop broadcasting in analog format. Digital television (DTV) is an entirely new technology that will replace today’s analog television system. The impact of the transition to all-digital television broadcasting will most assuredly be a positive one for Florida’s consumers, with benefits ranging from improved picture and sound quality, to an increase in programming choices.
The vast majority of Floridians look to television programming for entertainment purposes. More importantly, a significant number of these viewers use this same programming as their predominant source of information and communication regarding events that directly and indirectly affect their daily lives. During the DTV transition, having the pertinent information will help to ensure that consumers are never without their desired/needed programming.
Do a little research before shopping this holiday season. As an informed consumer you will have a distinct competitive advantage when purchasing this type of technology. You are encouraged to visit the DTV transition website (www.dtv.gov) which contains valuable materials and information. We're here for you throughout the transition. Our consumer hotline; calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221 or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the most suitable resource for assistance.
Sincerely,
At midnight on February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to provide improved picture and sound quality, as well as provide more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, all-digital broadcasting will free up many frequencies to be used for public safety, such as police, fire, and emergency rescue, and for the provision of advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT ME? If you do not receive your signal through a paid provider such as a cable or satellite TV company and your current television is not equipped with a digital tuner (sometimes referred to as a digital receiver), you will almost certainly be unable to view your major local broadcast stations. This means that you are probably using either “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna to receive your signal currently. In order to avoid any interruption of broadcast, you will need to do one of the following things prior to the February 17, 2009 date: subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider, purchase a television set with a built in digital tuner, or purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TV HAS A DIGITAL TUNER/RECEIVER? The following are some general guidelines which might be of use:
- The best way to know is to consult your owner’s manual or look up information about your TV on the manufacturer’s website.
- Perform an up-close look at your television to determine if there is an input connection labeled “Digital Input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is developing the DTV format).
- If you purchased your television set before 1998, it almost certainly does NOT have a built-in digital tuner.
- If you purchased a new television between 1998 and 2004, the chances are a little higher that it might contain a built-in digital tuner. But, the odds still aren’t great.
If you purchased a new television after 2004, your chances of it having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically.
IS THE DTV TRANSITION GOING TO COST ME BIG $$$$? If you choose to purchase a new TV, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $3,000 depending on the size of the TV and other options that are available. Conversely, you may choose to retrofit each of your televisions with digital-to-analog converter boxes in order to continue receiving free over-the-air television. The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 apiece, and the National Telecommunications and Information Association or NTIA (a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce) will be running a program to help defray this expense. Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. Many of the details are still being worked out, but if you would like more information on the coupon program, visit the NTIA website www.ntia.doc.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
For additional information, please call our consumer hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) calling within Florida, 850-488-2221 outside of Florida, or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), or visit us online at www.800helpfla.com. We’ll assist you in finding answers for any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the most suitable resource for assistance. Remember ... consumer education is the best defense against fraud and deception!
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Federal Communications Commission
Digital Television (DTV) is an advanced broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. Learn more...
DTV Transition Coalition
This site provides information and resources on this site will help ensure that you’re prepared for the digital TV transition and that you’ll continue to receive free broadcast television in the digital age.
Federal Citizen Information Center
Today most people have analog televisions. All broadcast TV stations in the country have temporary use of a second, separate channel so that they can transition from analog broadcasting to digital. Learn more...
