Digital Television (DTV) Transition
On February 17, 2009, TV stations will cease broadcasting in analog and switch to all-digital signals. Analog TV sets not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay-TV service (in other words, TVs that use an antenna or rabbit ears for over-the-air TV) will need a digital converter box after Feb. 17. Analog-only TVs connected to Mid-Rivers Cable Television's cable televisions service should continue to work after the transition and will not need a converter box. Analog-only TVs also should continue to work as before to receive low-power, Class A or translator TV stations and with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products. The federal government is offering discount coupons for viewers who need to purchase converter boxes for analog TV sets. More information on the DTV transition is available at www.DTV.gov or by contacting Mid-Rivers Cable Television at 1-800-452-2288 or www.midrivers.com. For discount coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
The bottom line is that the great majority of consumers - anyone whose television is hooked up to a cable or satellite service or owns a digital television set - will not be affected. However, if you currently receive analog programming over the air or with an antenna (set-top or roof-top), AND your television set is analog (does not have a built-in digital tuner), you may need to take some action to continue watching your favorite stations. The information below offers further guidance on how the DTV Transision may affect you as a consumer.
HOW WILL THE DTV TRANSITION AFFECT YOU?
Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that is transforming television as we know it. DTV offers a better viewing experience with vastly improved picture and sound quality. Many television stations in the United States are airing Digital Television programming today, though most will continue to proide analog programming through February 17, 2009. After that date, TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels. The airwaves they use for analog broadcasting can then be used for services such as public safety services and advanced wireless services.
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In the majority of cases, you will not need a new TV set or a new set-top converter box to continue receiving your current television programming. Mid-Rivers Cable Television subscribers, including both Basic/Expanded and MegaVue Digital Cable subscribers, will not be affected by the digital transition - we are addressing all the transition issues for you. The following outlines the scenarios in which the DTV transition may affect your viewing and what you will need to do in order to prepare:
If your TV set is: |
And you get your programming from: |
Then by February 17, 2009, you will need: |
Analog |
An antenna (over-the-air) |
A digital-to-analog converter box. |
Analog |
Cable or Satellite |
NOTHING! Your provider is addressing conversion issues. |
Digital |
An antenna (over-the-air) |
NOTHING! Your antenna will receive the digital signal. |
Digital |
Cable or Satellite |
NOTHING! Your provider is addressing conversion issues. |
Consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") to receive broadcast signals on analog TV sets will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on analog TVs. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, though not necessarily in the full, original digital quality. Converter boxes will require a separate remote control and power source, and you will need a converter box for each over-the-air set you own. You may also need a converter box for your VCR if you wish to tape one program while watching another. As of January 1, 2008, all U.S. households are now eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more details on the Converter Box Coupon Program, please visit www.dtv2009.gov.
Purchasing a new digital TV with a built-in digital tuner is also an option to insure that you will continue to receive your over-the-air programming. Customers should be aware that purchasing a digital television does not require purchasing a High-Definition Television (HDTV) set. HDTV is just one format of digital television, offering the highest quality picture and sound of all the digital formats (which also include Standard Definition and Enhanced Definition). You can purchase a less expensive standard or enhanced digital television without HD capabilities. As of March 2007, manufacturers were required to make new TV's digital-ready, including even their small, inexpensive sets. However, consumers should be aware that some retailers may still have some analog TV sets in their inventory, so when purchasing a new TV set make sure to ask for a digital set with a built-in digital tuner.
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If you currently subscribe to Mid-Rivers Cable Television's Basic, Basic/Expanded, or Digital Cable (MEGA VueTM) service (where available), then you will not have to do anything to prepare for the February 17, 2009, DTV Transition! Mid-Rivers is addressing the digital transition issues for you.
If you currently get all your programming over-the-air with an antenna, then subscribe to Mid-Rivers Cable Television today and let us take care of the DTV Transition for you!* We carry all available over-the-air local broadcast stations as part of our cable channel line-up.
*Mid-Rivers Cable Television available only in select areas.
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Mid-Rivers Cable Television DTV Fact Sheet [PDF]
FCC's Digital Transition Website: www.dtv.gov
Converter Box Coupon Program: www.dtv2009.gov
DTV Consumer Education Workshop Videos Online
How Digital Television Works
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