On June 12, 2009, digital TV broadcasts replaced analog TV broadcasts.
June 12 is the final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts under legislation passed by Congress.
Analog TVs no longer receive programming unless their owners do one of the following:
1. Subscribe to a satellite or cable TV service
2. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box
3. Purchase a new digital TV
DISH Network makes the digital transition easy by offering great satellite TV at the lowest all-digital price anywhere, and DTVPal—the coupon-eligible converter box with analog pass-through.
Digital TVs are equipped with a digital tuner which enables them to receive digital broadcasts without an external converter box. Analog TVs do not have a digital tuner and therefore need a satellite or cable TV subscription or digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive and display digital TV programming.
If your TV has a “digital tuner” built into it, it is configured to receive and display the new digital over-the-air TV signals.
The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built into it is to consult your owner's manual. If that is not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer's website or in some instances, the back of the TV itself. You are trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled "digital input" or "ATSC."
Here are some general guidelines that may help:
If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably does not have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional analog set that cannot display digital TV signals without either subscribing to satellite or cable TV or purchasing a special converter box. If you bought a flat panel TV between 1998 and 2004, it is possible there is a built-in digital tuner inside, but that varies by model as only a limited percentage of flat panel TV sets included digital tuners before 2004.
If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold included digital tuners that let you receive the new digital over-the-air broadcasts. It varies by model as even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts.
A digital-to-analog converter box is an electronic device that converts digital signals into analog signals so that digital broadcasts can be viewed on analog TVs—enabling your analog TV to be able to receive digital TV Programming. Refer to www.dtv.gov or screen messages from your local TV stations for more information.
Approved converter boxes are eligible for $40 off with the government coupon program. Click
here for details.
One such coupon-eligible converter box is the DTVPal by DISH Network. DTVPal is eligible for $40 off with your government coupon. DTVPal also has great features that allow you to watch both analog and digital channels plus it has a FREE on-screen program guide, parental locks, closed-captioning and more. Click
here to learn more about DTVPal.
You may be eligible for up to two $40 coupons, provided by the government, to help pay for the digital-to-analog converter boxes. Visit
www.dtv2009.gov for more information. Coupons cannot be combined towards a single purchase and expire 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply your $40 government coupon towards the purchase of approved converter boxes such as the DTVPal by DISH Network.
DISH Network is the leader in digital TV—and your digital transition expert. As one of America’s top satellite or cable TV providers, DISH Network features great programming packages at the lowest all-digital price in America, plus more:
- 100% all-digital picture and sound on every channel
- Highest-rated customer service*
- Industry-leading, award-winning technology
- No equipment to buy
- FREE standard professional installation (up to 4 rooms)
There has never been a better time to learn more about DISH Network. For the best movies and sports you can’t get on broadcast TV, call DISH Network today.
Web:
www.dishnetwork.com
Phone: 1-888-825-2557
Certain customers and packages may not qualify for Digital Home Advantage. There are many options available to fit the customer’s needs/budget. Ask for details.
* According to the 2007 American Customers Satisfaction Index (ACSI) results for the U.S. largest Cable & Satellite TV providers: Charter Communications, Comcast Communications, Cox Communications, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. Tied with DIRECTV for the highest ACSI score in 2007.
For questions regarding media relations and partnering opportunities, please contact:
press@dishnetwork.com
Please contact the following organizations to learn more about the digital transition:
Government Sources:
NTIA:
www.dtv2009.gov, 1-888-DTV-2009
FCC:
www.dtv.gov
NAB:
www.dtvanswers.com
Transition Solutions:
DTVPal:
www.dtvpal.com, 1-888-638-9912
DISH Network:
www.dishnetwork.com, 1-888-825-2557
What was the digital transition? 
