Digital Television (DTV) is new technology that will replace today’s analog television system. DTV comes in three levels of picture quality:

• Standard Definition TV (SDTV)
• Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV)
• High Definition TV (HDTV)

Today most people have analog televisions. KGMB9 broadcasts both channel 9 (analog) and channel 22 (digital) over separate channels during our transition from analog to digital. The deadline mandated from the Federal Communications Commision (FCC) for ending analog broadcasting is February 17, 2009. When analog broadcasting ends, consumers that watch KGMB9 over-the-air with analog sets will need to obtain a separate converter box to watch KGMB9, or purchase DTV equipment. Converter boxes will be available in retail stores at that time. Even with a set-top converter box, your current analog TV will not display the full picture quality of DTV. To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set or a separate DTV receiver and a digital display monitor.

Beginning in 2008, your household may be able to obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program, and will issue rules regarding the coupons in the future.

Analog cable subscribers will need new DTV equipment to view DTV programming in digital format. You should ask your cable provider what you will need to view DTV.

Cable subscribers can also buy a "Digital Cable Ready" (DCR) or "Plug-and-Play" television that plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box. In order to receive scrambled programming and premium one-way services, cable subscribers with a DCR TV will need to obtain a CableCARD from their cable company.

Alternatively, cable subscribers may lease a separate set-top box from their cable provider or buy one at a retail outlet.

Satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to receive and view high definition digital programming. You should ask your satellite company what you will need and when.

See www.dtv.gov for more information about digital television.

Click here for KGMB9's DTV FAQ

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