Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009 to watch DTV?No, digital television is available now. If you watch over-the-air television today, you should be able to receive all or most of your local stations’ digital signals if you have a DTV receiver. You may view high definition and multicast programming from your local stations. Check your local program listings or contact your local TV stations to find out more about the digital television available now. The FCC’s special website,www.dtv.gov, has more information on digital television, or call 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322).
Will the February 17, 2009 date for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting be pushed back?
Federal law mandates that February 17, 2009 is the last day of full-power analog television broadcasting. Government agencies, industry, public interest groups, and other interested organizations are working hard to make sure that the deadline is met and that everyone is prepared for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting.
If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?
No. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV to watch over-the-air digital broadcasts. You do not need to get rid of your existing analog TV. In addition, analog sets should continue to work as before if connected to a subscription service such as cable or satellite TV. Also, analog sets should continue to work with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products that you use now.
