About ETPtv
Frequently Asked Questions About The Digital Transition
 
East Tennessee Public Television
 
Why should I make the switch now?
 
ETPtv suffered a major equipment failure recently that has caused significant degradation to our signal. The aural klystron (essentially a six foot tall, thousand pound vacuum tube) which amplifies our signal burned out. As this failure only affects the analog transmitter, those viewers receiving ETPtv's two digital channels (whether with a new digital set or through their cable or satellite provider) have not experienced any disruption. The quickest and simplest way to restore a high quality ETPtv signal to older analog sets is through the purchase and installation of a digital converter box. The boxes are available in stores now and a coupon program through the federal government will defray most of the cost of the boxes. They are easy to install and allow you to receive both of ETPtv's digital channels as well as multiple channels from other local commercial stations. There is no better time than right now to make the jump into digital television.

 
What is digital television (DTV)?
Digital television or DTV is an innovative new type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables TV stations to provide crystal clear pictures and CD quality sound. DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional broadcast technology known as analog. DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast in high definition or provide multiple channels of programming simultaneously (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time. DTV technology can also be used to provide future interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.

 
Who can watch DTV?
 Every household in America that receives free over-the-air 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 television service provider - will be affected by the transition. Approximately 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals after February 17, 2009, if owners of these sets do not make the easy transition to DTV.

 How can I upgrade to DTV?
 You have three options to upgrade to DTV.
1. Purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into your existing analog set.
2. Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.
3. Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider to continue using your analog TV set, if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.

 Do I need to buy a new television set?
 You can continue to use your older television set. But you will need to purchase a separate digital tuner or subscribe to alternate program provider (such as cable or satellite) if you want to experience digital television. Bear in mind, however, that your older analog television set will not display digital programming with the clarity and quality of an up-to-date, digital set. To experience the full benefits of digital television, viewers will need new digital television sets.

 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.

 What is a DTV Converter Box?
 A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna. The box converts the digital television signal into analog making it viewable on your analog TV. The boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70, and will be available for purchase in early 2008 at retail stores that sell electronic equipment.

 How do I get a Converter Box?
 The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue coupons for DTV converter boxes in early 2008.

Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. For more information about the coupon program, visit www.dtv2009.gov
Will my VCR and DVD players still work?
 VCRs, DVD players, camcorders and video games will continue to work, even if they are only analog capable. Such equipment, however, may not provide digital quality picture and sound. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality. Check with your equipment retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.

 Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?
 In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. If you currently need a roof-top antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV.

 Is HDTV the same thing as DTV?
 No! HDTV is the highest quality of DTV, but it is only one of several formats. In addition to HDTV, the most common format is Standard Definition Television (SDTV). Consumers who have high definition TV sets may receive free high definition television programming over the air using an antenna.