General Information

YOU MUST MAKE THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL– Are you ready?

By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as Analog, to Digital (DTV) on February 17, 2009. That means your TV could stop working, unless you make changes now!
Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that delivers movie-quality picture and sound. It can also offer multiple channels and even high definition to consumers with HD television sets.

The Transition to Digital TV

Most television stations, like KSAT TV, are currently broadcasting their programming in both analog and digital until February 17, 2009. Analog television sets receiving free, over-the-air programming will still work after that date, but owners of these TVs will need to buy a converter box to continue watching TV on their old set.  Converter boxes will be available from local retailers at that time. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you aren’t likely to be affected by the DTV transition, but you may want to check with your local San Antonio cable or satellite provider if you have questions about your service.

For additional news and regulatory information, click here - http://www.dtv.gov/inthenews.html

Is San Antonio ready for the DTV Transition?

Find out with the DTV online quiz - http://www.dtvtransition.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=39

Ways to Prepare:

Your TV set is:	You get your programming from:	You will need by Feb. 17, 2009:
Analog	Over-the-air	Digital-to-Analog converter box
Analog	Cable or satellite	Provider will address
Digital	Over-the-air	Nothing
Digital	Cable or satellite	Provider will address

• Converter boxes plug into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.                                                                                                     
• Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.                                                      
• Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.

Any of these steps will ensure that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.
For a quick overview, see the Associate Press (AP) video about the digital TV converter boxes with Technical Writer Peter Svensson at AP Online Video Network www.ap.org/ovn/)