What is digital television? Why the switch?
Digital Television (DTV) is an innovative broadcast technology that will transform your television viewing experience.  It will provide movie quality pictures and sound, more channels and over-the-air high definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD sets. Digital technology allows UNC-TV to broadcast programs in much higher quality and clarity than with analog television.

DTV is a more efficient way to broadcast television.  The transition will free up the airwaves so that the federal government can auction them off to companies that provide new wireless services and turn some over to fire and police departments for emergency communication.      

In 1996, the FCC laid out plans for a new era of broadcasting - digital television.  And under legislation passed by Congress – the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 – over the air broadcast stations are required to abandon their analog transmitters on February 17, 2009 and from then on broadcast only in a digital format.  

What are the benefits?
Digital television allows stations to offer new and better services.  In addition to providing dramatically better picture and sound quality, DTV also enables stations to provide several channels of programming simultaneously – “multicasting.”  DTV can also be used to deliver interactive capability and data services such as enhanced closed captioning that have not been possible before.  In a digital system, images and sounds are transmitted using the same digital technology found in computers.

Who will be affected by the switch?
You will need to take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service or if you do not have a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.  Second or third television sets in a household that are not connected to cable or satellite or do not have built-in digital tuners will be affected.  Nationally, some 19 million households with 70 million television sets receive only over-the-air television signals through antennas and rabbit ears and will be at risk of losing their signals unless they make the easy transition to DTV.

How do I switch to DTV?
You can make the switch to DTV by following one of these three easy choices before February 17, 2009.

(1) Purchase a DTV converter box that connects to your existing antennae and TV set.  A converter box lets you continue to receive free television reception  The federal government is providing $40 coupons that you may use toward the purchase of these boxes, which cost between $50 and $70.

(2) Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

(3) Subscribe to cable, satellite or other paid service. Not all local stations are carried by all services. Check with your provider.

Ways to watch UNC-TV digital broadcasts:

New digital technology allows UNC-TV to broadcast several channels simultaneously. We are currently transmitting one Standard Definition (UNC-TV) channel and one High Definition (UNC-HD) channel. Currently, UNC-TV also offers a dedicated digital North Carolina channel (UNC-NC), kid's channel (UNC-KD), and education channel (UNC-ED).

What is a set top converter box?
A converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that connects to your older television set and over-the-air antenna or rabbit ears and converts the digital television signal into analog so that it can be viewed on your analog TV.  This allows you to keep using older television sets and lets you see all the new digital channels free of charge.  The converter box is a small box with a remote control similar to the set top tuners made available by cable and satellite providers. Converter boxes (ranging from $50-$70) can be purchased from major electronics and television stores.  When you apply for a government coupon, you will receive the coupons and a list of retailers in your area who carry certified converter boxes. To learn more about the Digital Converter Box, click here.

When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?
You can apply for the converter box coupons now by calling 1-888-388-2009 or by visiting www.dtv2009.gov.  The coupons will be mailed beginning February 17, 2008.  Households will need to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. 

How do I know if I have an analog or digital television set?
Take a look at the owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in digital tuner.  You can also go to the manufacturer’s web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model.
 
What is high definition television?
Programs broadcast at the highest level of quality are referred to as High Definition.  With high definition television sets, viewers will be able to receive high-quality, crystal clear pictures on their televisions, displayed in a wide screen format.

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. HDTV is digital, but not all digital televisions are high-definition.  You must have a high-definition set to get true HDTV.

What is standard definition television?
Digital technology also allows some programs to be broadcast at a slightly lower quality than HDTV.  This is referred to as Standard Definition or SDTV.  These programs can be in the widescreen format. In general, the quality of the SDTV picture will surpass what you see on your older analog television set.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?
In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals.  If you use an existing rooftop antenna, you should need only to connect your antenna wiring to your new digital converter box or digital television.

Why more channels?
New digital technology allows UNC-TV to broadcast several channels simultaneously. We are currently transmitting one Standard Definition (UNC-TV) channel and one High Definition (UNC-HD) channel. Currently, UNC-TV also offers a dedicated digital North Carolina channel (UNC-NC), kid's channel (UNC-KD), and education channel (UNC-ED).

Do I have to buy a new television set? Will I be able to watch DTV on my old set?
You can continue to use your older television set. But you will need to purchase a separate converter box or subscribe to a paid service provider such as cable or satellite.  However, 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 may want to buy new digital television sets.  To learn more about the Digital Converter Box, click here.

What is the analog cutoff date?
By February 17, 2009, all US television broadcasters must complete the transition to digital broadcasting and discontinue analog signal transmission.  To keep using your older analog television set after that date will require the purchase of a set top digital converter box or you may purchase programming from a cable or satellite provider.  Alternately you may choose to purchase a new digital television set with a built-in digital tuner included.

How much do digital televisions cost? What should I look for?
Prices for digital televisions continue to drop. Cost varies widely depending on the size, the level of capability and the options provided.  Currently most digital sets include analog and or DTV tuners. Be sure that your set includes a built-in digital tuner or expect to make alternate arrangements such as purchasing a digital converter box or make arrangements with a television provider such as cable or satellite.

To enjoy the highest quality HD picture, look for a set capable of displaying 1080 lines on the screen.  A medium quality set will display 720p lines on the screen.  Higher contrast ratios will make the picture more crisp and realistic. Note that the labeling on some sets claim to be “HD compatible” while only having a limited display of 480 lines.  Shop carefully and speak with a well-informed sales person.

How do I know what’s on your digital channels?
Many television listings do not yet carry complete UNC-TV digital channel schedules. Click here for the most up-to-date schedule listings.   Your new digital converter box or your digital set will display program titles and descriptive information on screen at the touch of a menu button.  You can also use the on-screen program guides provided by your cable and satellite service.