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What is DTV?

Digital television (DTV) is a more efficient and higher-quality way of receiving television signals than the traditional analog system. Commonly cited benefits of DTV include clearer pictures, better sound quality and more programming choices.

What is the digital transition and when is it happening?

The digital transition refers to the move to all-digital technology, a new way of sending television signals to homes. After June 12, 2009, by federal mandate, all TV broadcasters will end traditional broadcasting and send their television signals exclusively in a digital format.

Why is the digital transition happening?

DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog technology. In addition to providing better quality sound and picture, the switch to all-digital will enable broadcasters to deliver high-definition television (HDTV) and multiple channels — all in the same space, or spectrum, that they previously used for just one analog signal.

Additionally, converting to DTV will free up space for use by public safety agencies for emergency-response communications and for use by commercial wireless companies to provide broadband services to customers.

Will TV still be free for me?

You can still receive free over-the-air TV with an antenna. However, you will need to be sure that your TV either has a built-in digital tuner or is connected to a converter box.

To find out if your TV has a built-in digital tuner, check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer or a local retailer. If your remote control will let you tune in channels that have decimal points — 26.1 instead of just 26, for example — then you have a digital TV.

If you choose the converter-box route, you will need one for each TV in your home that relies on an antenna. The federal government is making available coupons (valued at $40 each) to reduce the cost of converter boxes, which cost $40-$80. Please see Converter Boxes & Coupons for more information.

Do I need to buy a new TV?

Not necessarily. If you have an analog TV and you rely on an antenna to watch television, you have several choices for watching TV after June 12, 2009. You have the option to purchase a new TV that is equipped with a digital tuner. Two other choices will allow you to keep your current TV: subscribe to a pay TV service (such as cable or satellite), or buy a converter box for each analog TV set that gets its TV signal through an antenna.

I subscribe to cable TV — that means I'm ready for digital TV and will receive the full array of WETA's DTV offerings, right?

With cable service you are DTV ready — but no, you won't necessarily get all of WETA's digital TV channels. All cable subscribers will receive digital TV signals through their cable box by June 12, 2009, when the nation transitions to all-digital TV.

If you are a basic cable subscriber and wish to receive all of WETA's digital channels, contact your cable provider about renting a cable box or ask about digital cable service, which is a different tier of subscription service that offers more digital viewing options.

How do I know if my TV has a built in digital tuner?

The best way to determine if your TV has a built-in digital tuner is to consult your owner’s manual. You may also be able to find information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s website.

One way to tell if you receive digital channels is to check if you receive channels with decimal points, for example, 26.1 or 26.2 rather than just 26. Some TVs with digital tuners have labels containing the words "integrated digital tuner," "digital receiver," "digital tuner," "DTV," "ATSC," or "HDTV." If your set is labeled "digital monitor," "HDTV monitor," "digital ready," or "HDTV ready," this does not necessarily mean it has a built-in digital tuner.

How will television be better with digital TV?

Commonly cited benefits of DTV include crystal-clear pictures, CD-quality sound, enhanced interactive capabilities, more free channels through multicasting, and more transmission space for emergency-responder signals.

Please note that getting digital TV doesn't necessarily mean you'll see television in high definition (HD). To watch TV in HD, you'll need to have a high definition television set.

Can I recycle my TV?

Yes. Enter your zip code to find local recyclers at www.mygreenelectronics.com.

What is the difference between analog, digital television (DTV) and HDTV?

• Analog Television
  Analog television has been the standard way to receive TV signals since the inception of television. However, it is no longer an efficient technology, as analog uses up much more space than digital.
• DTV/Digital Television
  Digital television (DTV) is a more flexible and efficient technology than the traditional analog system. The switch to digital broadcasting means TV stations can offer much clearer pictures, better sound quality, and more programming that is free to consumers.
• HDTV/High-Definition Television
  HDTV is digital television of the highest quality, offering image resolution that is superior to traditional formats. To watch TV in HD, viewers need an HD television set. Consumers with these sets may receive high-definition programming free and over the air using an HD antenna.

What WETA programs can I get on digital television?

WETA broadcasts four digital channels. These channels broadcast all the programs you enjoy 24 hours a day. Please see our Channel Guide page for more information on how to find and watch these television channels.

Where can I find additional information?

• www.dtvanswers.com
• www.dtv2009.gov
• www.dtvtransition.org
• 1-888-DTV-2009
  This is the automated 24-hour hotline for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. An operator is also available.
• 1-888-CALL-FCC
  This is a recorded information line on the DTV transition. There is an option to speak with a specialist.
• Contact us
  WETA is committed to helping you make the switch as painlessly as possible. Many of your questions will be answered on this site and the websites listed above. If you still have questions, please call WETA at 703-998-2724 or 1-888-504-9382.