WITF

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Television as we know it
is about to change.

Did you know?
On August 26, 1998, WITF-TV made history by launching Pennsylvania's first digital television channel. WITF-DT Channel 36 became one of seven public broadcasting pioneers in America to transmit digital programming.

WITF currently broadcasts two digital channels

WITF Standard Definition
33.1
(Simulcast of analog signal)

WITF Digital High Definition
33.3

By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009. DTV is an innovative new type of broadcasting technology that delivers movie-quality pictures and sound, more channels, and even high definition television (HDTV) to consumers with HD television sets. While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take the easy steps to receive a digital signal.

Watch Smart Talk segment on DTV.

How does the DTV transition affect me?

If you receive TV signals through an antenna (for example, using “rabbit ears”) and you currently do not subscribe to cable or satellite, the TVs in your home will be affected. You will need to take action to continue receiving TV service. You have three options:

1) Purchase a converter box for each television in your home that receives TV signals through an antenna (federal government-issued coupons to offset about half the cost of the boxes are available.)

2) Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; or

3) Subscribe to cable or satellite that carries the channels you want to watch.

What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program ?

To help consumers who choose to purchase a converter box, the federal government has created a coupon program that will reduce the cost of a converter box. (Converter boxes are expected to cost around $70; each coupon is worth $40.) To learn more about the program, including how to request coupons, redemption instructions, and which retailers will redeem them visit The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program website or call 1-888-DTV-2009, toll-free, to request a coupon or to receive coupon program information in English and Spanish

The NTIA will begin mailing the coupons Feb. 17, one year out from the DTV-to-analog switch, but some viewers may want to wait depending on whether the anticipated $60 price point for the boxes comes down in the wake of EchoStar Communications' announcement of a $39.99 box.

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration told a 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show audience in Las Vegas that it certified 250 retailers, including QVC, and 19 digital-TV-to-analog converter boxes.

QVC, the TV retailer, said it will provide a toll-free number for viewers who want to use the coupons toward the boxes. Others certified retailers include Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Roebuck and Wal-Mart.

Additional DTV convertion information is avaiable from:

DTV Transition Coalition [PDF]

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

National Association of Broadcasters

Consumer Electronics Association

WATCH DTV ANSWERS VIDEO:

1 - 888 - DTV - 2009

www.DTVanswers.com

Questions? Need more info?
Email us.