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Digital Transition- Feb. 17, 2009
What is the digital transition?
Beginning February 17, 2009, the government is requiring that digital over-the-air broadcasts replace analog broadcasts. What does that mean? After February 17, 2009, analog TVs will no longer be able to receive programming unless their owners do one of the following: 1. Subscribe to a satellite or cable TV service 2. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box 3. Purchase a new digital TV
DISH Network makes the digital transition easy by offering great satellite TV at the lowest all-digital price anywhere, and DTVPal—the coupon-eligible converter box with analog pass-through.
What is the difference between an analog TV and a digital TV?
Digital TVs are equipped with a digital tuner which enables them to receive digital broadcasts after February 17, 2009 without an external converter box. Analog TVs do not have a digital tuner and therefore need a satellite or cable TV subscription or digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive and display digital TV programming.
How do I know if my TV is analog or digital?
If your TV has a “digital tuner” built into it, it is configured to receive and display the new digital over-the-air TV signals that will be transmitted after February 2009.
The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built into it is to consult your owner's manual. If that is not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer's website or in some instances, the back of the TV itself. You are trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled "digital input" or "ATSC."
Here are some general guidelines that may help:
If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably does not have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional analog set that cannot display digital TV signals without either subscribing to satellite or cable TV or purchasing a special converter box. If you bought a flat panel TV between 1998 and 2004, it is possible there is a built-in digital tuner inside, but that varies by model as only a limited percentage of flat panel TV sets included digital tuners before 2004.
If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold included digital tuners that let you receive the new digital over-the-air broadcasts starting in February 2009. It varies by model as even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts.
What are digital-to-analog converter boxes?
A digital-to-analog converter box is an electronic device that converts digital signals into analog signals so that digital broadcasts can be viewed on analog TVs—enabling your analog TV to be able to receive TV programming following February 17, 2009.
Approved converter boxes are eligible for $40 off with the government coupon program. Click here for details.
One such coupon-eligible converter box is the DTVPal by DISH Network. DTVPal is eligible for $40 off with your government coupon. DTVPal also has great features that allow you to watch both analog and digital channels plus it has a FREE on-screen program guide, parental locks, closed-captioning and more. Click here to learn more about DTVPal.
What is the government coupon program I am hearing about?
You may be eligible for up to two $40 coupons, provided by the government, to help pay for the digital-to-analog converter boxes. Visit www.dtv2009.gov for more information. Coupons cannot be combined towards a single purchase and expire 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply your $40 government coupon towards the purchase of approved converter boxes such as the DTVPal by DISH Network.
Why DISH Network?
DISH Network is the leader in digital TV—and your digital transition expert. As one of America’s top satellite or cable TV providers, DISH Network features great programming packages at the lowest all-digital price in America, plus more:
- 100% all-digital picture and sound on every channel - Highest-rated customer service* - Industry-leading, award-winning technology - No equipment to buy - FREE standard professional installation (up to 4 rooms)
There has never been a better time to learn more about DISH Network. For the best movies and sports you can’t get on broadcast TV, get DISH Network today. Certain customers and packages may not qualify for Digital Home Advantage. There are many options available to fit the customer’s needs/budget. Ask for details.
* According to the 2007 American Customers Satisfaction Index (ACSI) results for the U.S. largest Cable & Satellite TV providers: Charter Communications, Comcast Communications, Cox Communications, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. Tied with DIRECTV for the highest ACSI score in 2007.
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