February 17, 2009 is in important date for American television. At midnight American broadcasters will be required by law to cease operation of old analog TV transmitters (as in, crappy old static-y systems). Digital television is already broadcasting, with a wider variety of content at a much higher quality.

And for some TV viewers out there, your TV is about to become a paper weight.

Who does this affect?

The first phase of the digital transition only affects over-the-air TV, as in reception with antennas. Dish systems have already been digital for years. Cable will not be required to go full digital any sooner than 2011.

Dish users won’t need any new equipment, although they may want to get the upgrade equipment and package if they wish to take advantage of the growing number of high-definition (HD) channels available.

Cable users will most likely need be issued new boxes by their company. In theory, you are supposed to able to ask for a CableCard to connect your cable directly into your HDTV, but the cable companies’ track record on servicing and supporting these systems is a bit suspect. Folks taking cable right from the wall to the TV won’t have to worry until 2011.

Do I have to buy an HDTV?

Nope.

Starting in January 2008 the federal government will allow you to request vouchers valued at $40 each toward the purchase of a digital TV converter box for your TV. These vouchers are paid for through money raised selling the old upper UHF channels (52-69) to wireless companies.

However, you won’t get full HD video unless you buy an HDTV. The converter boxes will only translate the HD signals to the old analog format so your TV can display it. It is sort of like the old video game systems had a little converter that you had to hook into your TV.

So, what’s the deal with digital TV? Is it better, or what?

The beauty of digital television is foremost that it is an all or none propisiton. You either get a crisp signal or you get nothing. That is also its shortcoming, as it means that fringe reception (folks out 60 miles from a tower or further) is difficult and you can’t just settle for a fuzzy image and be happy.

The image below is an example of what a weak HDTV will look like. By the way, you can get this quality with an antenna…

Take this in comparison to the old fuzzy and static-filled images.

OK, I have an antenna, will I need a new one?

It depends. Most of the digital TV broadcasts are on the current UHF channels. If your antenna already gets good reception on UHF, then the odds are low that you will need to get a new antenna. However, if your UHF reception is poor, you will need to look at buying a new antenna.

Fine, what antennas are best?

For weak UHF signal areas, two antennas are generally preferred. They are the Channel Master 4228 and the Antennas Direct 91XG.

A good resource for more information is the HDTV section of the Audio Video Science Forum website. Check it out at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=6/

What’s the deal with HD?

Not all digital programming is HD. Sorry. Most sports and most primetime TV are.

Digital TV is delivered in three dominant formats:

* 1080i (2 million pixels, considered superior for picture quality)

* 720p (1 million pixels, but considered superior for sports and live events)

* 480p (similar to old analog, minus the static)

The law for the digital changeover only requires the transmissions to be digital. In theory, all a TV station has to do to comply is broadcast a signal in 480p. In fact, at least one station in Erie, PA intends to do just that.

The most common HD programs are sports and primetime comedy and drama shows on the major networks. Week 15 of the 2007 will be the first time all NFL games are in HD, and the NFL has mandated that all its games will be in HD come the 2008 season. With the exception of cheaper reality programs, most primetime shows are already in HD.

Educational channels are also heavy on HD. PBS already enjoys a good reputation for HD, and Discovery is catching up fast.

News, even on the national level has lagged. NBC News has been full HD for a while. It will soon be joined by PBS, with the Newshour going HD on December 17. CNN has had a choppy transition to HD. Fox is getting there. ABC and CBS are still lagging far behind.

You need an HD TV + an HD signal to watch true HD

One fact that gets lost on many TV buyers is that HDTV requires both an HDTV and a signal with HD. If you have an antenna, your TV can find the signals for you. If you have a satellite dish, you will need to purchase an HD package. Same goes for cable, although some cable companies do offer clear local HD channels with their basic and lifeline packages.

How does this affect us in Punxsutawney?

That’s another article.

***UPDATE - January 2, 2008***

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is now officially taking applications for the DTV vouchers.

This is the voucher website.

According to the best info I can gather, the first 22 million applications will be processed automatically.  After that the NTIA will use their discretion.  It is generally assumed the full allotment of 44 million vouchers (2 per household) will not be used.  In case where preference needs to be given, it will be given to households that get their TV solely over-the-air (as opposed to households that might just have an upstairs TV with an antenna, while the living room TV has cable).
The program was paid for through fees collected by the government during the auction of upper UHF spectrum channels to various companies, so please don’t feel as if it is a subsidy or a handout.  The airwaves belong to the people, and this is the government defraying some of the cost of the inconvenience imposed.

Please be aware that these vouchers are for boxes that will convert digital signal to analog.  These do not deliver full HDTV, but instead make DTV compatible with older TV sets.

These boxes are not designed for use with cable or satellite systems.  Your cable company or satellite provider will provide (and most likely, already has provided) a box compatible with their system.