As you probably have heard, many local TV stations will be changing how they send out their broadcast, from an analog signal to a digital signal.

Digitally broadcast television signals are expected to deliver cleaner, crisper pictures. Even more important, the airwaves that were used in the old analog TV broadcasting can now be given over to police, firefighters and other first responders so they can establish a nationwide public safety network to respond to regional or national disasters as recommended by the 9/11 Commission.

Recently, because of great concern that many media markets were unprepared for the transition to digital broadcasting, Congress extended the transition date from February 17th, 2009 to June 12th, 2009. However, the law that established the extension also kept procedures in place that allow stations to switch to digital before June 12th, 2009 with approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Some of our stations on the South and Central Coast have applied to switch on or around February 17th.

If you have questions about the DTV transition, click here for a helpful website, or read through our Frequently Asked Questions listed below. If you have any further questions about the DTV transition, please call my office and we will be happy to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the DTV transition effect me? Do I need a converter box?

It depends.

• You need a converter box if you use a “rabbit-ear” antenna to receive TV signal and your TV does not have a digital tuner.
• You do not need a converter box if your TV has a digital tuner.
• To check if your TV has a digital tuner, look in the back of your TV for an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).
• You do not need a converter box if you subscribe to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service

How do I get a converter box?

• Best Buy and Radio Shack have converter boxes for sale- they cost approximately $50
• The government has a program to provide up to two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the cost of the box.
• Apply for a coupon at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
• However, there is a long waitlist to receive government coupons and you will not receive the coupons before Feb. 17th- it may take over a month.

When will my DTV converter box start working?

• Your converter box is already capable of picking up digital signals.
• KSBY, KCOY, KEYT, Univision and Telemundo all are broadcasting in both analog and digital. If you scan for digital channels on your converter box, you should receive these stations in their digital format.

Will any channels work after Feb. 17th?

Yes. All Low Power stations will still be available.

• You will still be able to view KKFX (FOX) and KCET (PBS) on their current channels.
• KTAS (Telemundo) will be available on Channel 9 in the SLO, Paso, Atascadero areas and on Channel 7 in Santa Maria/Nipomo areas.
• To figure out what stations are Low Power in your area, visit: http://www.lptvanswers.com/ and type in your zip code.

Are all the stations in the area switching?

No

• Only KSBY, KCOY, KEYT, KTAS (Telemundo), and KPMR/KTSB (Univision) are switching.
• All Low Power stations, such as KKFX and KCET, will still be available.
• No Low Power stations are required to switch to digital. They will remain on the air after the final DTV transition.
• To figure out what stations are Low Power in your area, visit: http://www.lptvanswers.com/ and type in your zip code.

Why are stations switching now if Congress delayed the transition date?

• The law allows stations to switch early if they can meet certain FCC requirements.
• Requirements include increased number of PSA announcements and having call in numbers for help with their converter boxes.

Why are we switching to digital television at all?

• To free up analog spectrum for first-responders so first-responders at the local, state, and federal level will be able to easily communicate with one another (not currently the case).
• To free up analog spectrum for new private telecommunications ventures
• To provide superior picture quality and clearer closed captioning.

I have applied for a coupon, when will I get it?

• Check the DTV website and type in your coupon reference number at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/
• There is a long waitlist for the coupons because there has been a very large demand for coupons and the Bush Administration didn’t dedicate enough money to the program to meet demand.
• The coupon program will get an injection of funds from the Recovery Package in order to start issuing more coupons.

I can’t get my converter box to work.

A helpful troubleshooting guide is at:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/troubleshootguide.html