ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 
JUNE 12, 2009 SWITH TO DTV

Digital TV Q&A

KCRG-TV9 Extending Digital Switch Until June 12, 2009!
On February 4, 2009 the U.S. Congress officially voted to delay the nation’s DTV Transition date (originally planned for 2/17/09) to June 12, 2009. After careful review of the latest Federal Communication Commission rules, KCRG-TV9 has determined the risks inherent in the new rules are too great for our viewers and ourselves.

Because of that, KCRG-TV9 will continue to offer both analog and digital signals through the legally-mandated extended date of June 12, 2009. 

KCRG-TV9 is currently broadcasting a digital signal on UHF channel 52.  After June 12, KCRG-TV9’s digital signal will move to VHF channel 9. For those who are getting our signal over the air with a DTV converter box, this means on June 12, 2009, you will need to re-scan the channels in order to continuing watching our station. Cable and satellite customers don't need to worry about re-scanning for our channel.

I heard DTV converter box coupons are gone, what can I do?
It's true the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, (NTIA), reached its $1.34 billion limit for coupons earlier this year. Customers requesting a coupon will be placed onto a waiting list as the NTIA waits for congressional approval for more money. It's important to know you can still go purchase a digital converter box at most retail stores today. The cost is between $40-$70. Find retailers who sell certified converter boxes at https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx.

Be Prepared: Watch this half-hour special on digital television to better educate yourself about the switich, and how you can make sure you're prepared to ready to watch KCRG-TV9 news and ABC programming after June 12, 2009. Although the dates in this program are for the old transition date of February 17, the information on what you need to be prepared is still current and valuable.

F.A.Q's

What is Digital Television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is an innovative new type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that transmits pictures over the airwaves in data bits, like a computer.  DTV enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures, better sound and more programming choices.  DTV also makes high definition (HD) broadcasting possible for viewers with HD sets and provides interactive capabilities and data services such as significantly enhanced closed captioning.

When is the switch to Digital Television (DTV)?
Congress has recently voted to push back the official date of the DTV transition to June 12, 2009.  However, there is an option for local television stations who are ready to broadcast in the digital format to make the switch earlier.

Why is America Switching to DTV?
DTV is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it will free up the airwaves for a variety of new services.  DTV also provides crystal clear pictures and sound, more channels and even free, over-the-air high-definition (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets. DTV will also allow more services than ever before with free, broadcast television.

Who will be affected?
Consumers who receive free broadcast television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners – and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider – will be affected by the transition.  Viewers who pay for TV services such as cable, satellite or telephone company television services should not be affected or need to upgrade if all of their TVs are hooked up to the service.

At least 19.6 million households receive free, broadcast television in their homes, and approximately 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals after June 12, 2009, if owners of these sets do not take steps to upgrade.

How do I upgrade to DTV?
You can upgrade to DTV by following one of three steps by June 12, 2009:

1. DTV Converter Box: 
Purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into your existing analog TV set and an over-the-air UHF/VHF antenna.  A converter box will enable you to continue to receive free television reception.  The boxes cost anywhere between $40 and $70 and are available now from many retailers.  The federal government is providing households with $40 coupons that may be used toward the purchase of these boxes.

2.  Digital TV set: 
Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital or Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner which start at under $100.  All TVs with a digital tuner are able to receive digital signals broadcast by television stations through the use of a properly oriented antenna so you can continue to receive your free programming with no monthly fees.  New television sets sold today are required by law to have a built digital tuner.

3.   Paid Service:
Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider to continue using your analog TV set, if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.  All of your TVs will need to be hooked up to the service in order for each one to continue receiving television signals.

What is a DTV converter box?
A DTV converter box is an electronic device that hooks up to your analog set and antenna and converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV.  Converter boxes cost anywhere between $40 and $70 and are available now from many retailers.

When can I apply for a coupon for a DTV converter box?
The federal government is providing coupons for DTV converter boxes to help with the costs of upgrading to digital.  Households are able to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within 90 days.  For more information or to request a coupon, call 1 (888) DTV-2009 or 1 (877) 530-2634 (TTY), visit www.DTV2009.gov or mail coupon applications to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208.

Can I keep my analog TV set?
YES.  Buying a new digital television set isn’t the only option you have for navigating the DTV transition.  If you wish to continue using your analog set, you must consider one of the following options to make the switch to digital television:

1.  Purchase a DTV converter box, which will convert the new digital signal into the analog format for older televisions.
2.  Subscribe to cable, satellite or telephone company service provider to receive the new digital signal.

Can I recycle my TV?
YES.  For more information about how to recycle your television and other electronics, visit www.mygreenelectronics.com.

How do I know if I have an analog or digital television set?
To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner.  You can also go to the manufacturer’s Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.  Additionally, a database of TV sets with digital tuners will be available at www.dtvtransition.org by mid-2008.

Is HDTV the same thing as DTV?
No.  DTV is digital television.  HDTV is high definition television.  HDTV is the highest quality format of DTV, but it is only one of several formats.  Consumers who have high definition TV sets may receive high definition television programming for free using an antenna.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?
A good indoor or outdoor antenna will maximize your DTV reception.  In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of antenna that currently works to provide good quality analog TV signals at your home.

However, after June 12, 2009, some television stations will be moving to a different channel in a different frequency band that may require a different antenna type than the one you may now have.  For example, after the transition some channels in the “VHF band” (Channels 2-13) may be moving to the “UHF band” (Channels 14-51) and vice versa.  Receiving VHF and UHF signals require different antenna types, although many antennas are designed to receive both VHF and UHF signals.  KCRG TV9 is currently broadcasting a digital signal on UHF channel 52.  After June 12, 2009, KCRG-TV9’s digital signal will move to VHF channel 9.

For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

Mediacom Offering Free Basic Cable Through June 12, 2009
From February 17, 2009 through June 12, 2009, cable television provider Mediacom has announced it will provide free installation and free basic cable service to households that do not have the ability to receive over-the-air broadcast signals. Mediacom’s offer is intended to reduce the confusion that consumers may have regarding the broadcast digital transition. Mediacom officials say they want to help eliminate potential for disruption and provide a simple, no-cost solution that will help consumers retain viewing access to a full line-up of local broadcast stations. 

Mediacom’s free service applies to the broadcast basic or “limited” channel line-up which gives households up to 20 channels that include all local broadcast stations, public television stations and several other channels.  Those who take advantage of this free basic cable service will have it available at no cost through June 12. For more information, or to order, call 1-800-332-0245.