On May 8, the FCC announced that Wilmington, North Carolina will be the first market to transition to digital television (DTV) in advance of the nationwide transition scheduled for February 17, 2009. For What You Need to Know visit http://www.dtv.gov
National Association of Broadcasters provides information at www.dtvanswers.com or apply for a TV converter box coupon at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration site www.ntiadtv.gov
"The FCC identified Wilmington as one of a limited number of potential test markets to test the transisition because all the commercial stations in the market have already completed construction of their DTV channels and are operating at post-transition power. The Wilmington PBS station WUNJ will continue broadcasting in both analog and digital. The Commission will use the test market as an opportunity to work very closely in advance with broadcasters, viewers, cable companies and others who will be affected to anticipate and address any problems. The Commission is also coordinating with the NTIA and local retailers to be sure that digital to analog converter boxes are readily available in local stores for consumers who rely on over-the-air service and have analog televisions." Thursday May 8, 2008 remarks by Chairman Kevin J. Martin
Consumer information events scheduled to date:
Representatives from the FCC will be on hand at the following locations to assist and educate consumers:
Thursday, August 21 3-7 pm Main Library 1st Floor, 201 Chestnut Street
FAQ
Why Is The Government Switching to Digital?
- For improved public safety for everyone. The transition to digital will help police, fire, and other public safety departments to communicate more easily with each other during emergencies.
- For you, digital TV offers better picture and sound quality, as well as more channels and programming choices.
What Does This Mean To You?
- If all of your TVs are hooked up to cable or satellite, you will continue to get your TV after the switch. Just check with your cable or satellite company to be sure.
- If you have a digital TV, you are ready for the switch. (If your TV is more than 10 years old it probably is not digital. If it is less than 10 years old, ask the manufacturer if your TV is "analog-only.")
- If you have an analog-only TV with a roof top antenna or "rabbit ears," you will not be able to watch most TV stations after September 8, 2008 unless you get a "converter box."
Converter Box?
- The converter box will attach to your TV and let you go on getting free TV.
- With the converter box you can get a better picture and more channels. The antenna you have should work with the box.
- You can buy a converter box at a retail store. The boxes will cost $40 to $70.
- You can get two $40 coupons per household from the US Government to help you pay for up to two boxes. (One coupon per box only.) Coupons are available at your local library's reference desk and online at www.ntiadtv.gov.