Questions:
Answers:
What is the DTV transition?
The DTV transition refers to the switch from analog to digital broadcasting. If your current television is old enough that it is hooked-up to a roof-top antenna or "rabbit ears," and you are not a cable or satellite TV subscriber you may have an analog television.
When will the transition take place?
The last day for television stations to broadcast in using analog signal transmissions will be February 17, 2009.
Why are televisions being converted to digital?
The U.S. Congress authorized the conversion to all-digital broadcasting to free-up space on the airwaves for public safety communications by police, fire departments and rescue squads. In the event of a regional emergency or natural disaster, television may be your only way of getting information designed to help you and your family. As a viewer, you'll also benefit because digital broadcasting enables the stations to provide you with better quality picture and sound.
What is the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County's role in the DTV transition?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are responsible for implementing the conversion program. The City and County have no role other than to assist the FCC in educating the public and to help ensure that residents are aware the conversion will be taking place. For detailed information about the DTV conversion and coupon program which helps cover the cost of conversion, contact:
How will the DTV conversion affect me?
If your television is connected to a rooftop antenna or you have "rabbit ears," and you are not a cable or satellite subscriber, you may have a television that receives only analog signals. If that is the case, you will need a converter box to receive digitally-broadcast signals while still using your analog TV. You do not need to get rid of your TV, but you will need a converter box if you want to continue using it. If you have an analog TV and you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you should not need a converter box to view television programming during normal circumstances. However, if cable/satellite service is not working, then your TV must be DTV enabled in order to receive broadcast programming.
How much will this cost?
The cost of each converter box ranges from $40 to $70 each. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons worth $40 each to help cover the cost of the converter box. You must apply for the coupons which can be used at consumer electronic stores. To apply for the coupons call 1-888-388-2009 or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). You can also visit the website at www.dtv2009.gov
How will I know if I have a Digital tuner on my television?
Check the owner's manual that came with your TV, or labels on the back of the TV that indicate whether or not it is a digital tuner. The labels or markings may say "Integrated digital tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-in," "Digital Receiver," "DTV," "ATSC," or "HDTV," (High Definition Television.) If your TV contains any of this information, you should not need the converter box.
Should I contact my cable operator?
You may want to contact your cable or satellite provider if you have questions about the conversion or any programs they may offer to help offset the cost of converter boxes. However, you do not need to subscribe to digital cable service in order to receive the digital signals. Since most cable programming is digitally transmitted, any level of cable service will result in the signals being converted so that programs can be viewed on TVs with analog tuners.
How can I get more information about DTV conversion?
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Visit the FCC website at
www.dtv.org for more detailed information. You may also call them at 1-800-225-5322 or 1-888-835-5322 (TTY).
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Visit the NTIA website at
www.dtv2009.org for information on the converter coupon program. You may also call them at 1.888.388.2009
Click here to view the FCC's Public Workshop that was held in Charlotte on October 16, 2008 on the DTV Transition.
What should I do with my old television if I purchase a new one?
Getting rid of it is simple and you have several options:
Option 1: Call 311 to schedule a bulky item collection. When you call, be sure to tell the operator you have a TV to be collected. The operator will provide you with a collection date. Place the TV at the curb no earlier than 24 hours prior to the scheduled collection. Placing the television at the curb any earlier could result in a minimum $50 fine.
Option 2: You can also schedule a collection online. Click the schedule bulky items online link from the homepage and follow the scheduling directions on the site.
You may also drop your TV off at one of the full-service recycling facilities. Find the center closest to you at www.wipeoutwaste.com.
Thanks for properly disposing of your TV. You are helping keep Charlotte green!
For more information about the digital conversion, go to www.dtv.gov. Learn more about how to dispose of your TV in an environmentally-friendly way at http://curbit.charmeck.org.
