1. What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting will provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

2. Will the transition affect me?
If you do not subscribe to a pay TV service (cable, satellite, etc.) you must take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition.

3. What's in it for me?
Better picture quality and more programming options, including KUAT Kids, Create and V-me. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient than analog, broadcasters like KUAT can offer more and higher-quality services in the same place as a single analog channel.

4. Will my television work after February 17, 2009?
Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets (that are not connected to a pay TV service) must take action before the shut off date to ensure their TV sets continue to work.

5. How do I know if I have an analog or a digital TV?
What you need to know is whether your TV set has something called a “digital tuner” already built in. If it does, your TV set will work after February 17, 2009. The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If that’s not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close look at your TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).

Here are some general guidelines that may help: If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably doesn’t have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional “analog” set. If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-in digital tuner inside but only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) 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 at popular electronics stores feature digital tuners that will work after February 17, 2009. But it’s not a sure thing. Even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts. Usually these sets have been advertised as “HD-ready” or “HDTV monitor” sets. That means they can display digital and high-definition signals, but they need help getting those signals in the first place. You’ll still need a special converter box or a pay service cable TV connection.

6. What are my options so I can continue to get TV after February 17, 2009?
Consumers have a variety of options:
1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box easily plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009
2. For a fee you can connect to cable, satellite or other pay service
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner

7. What is a TV converter box?
A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your present antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box. For a list of TV converter boxes that can be purchased with a $40 government coupon, please visit the DTV 2009 web site.

8. How do I get my coupons?
Starting in January, 2008 you can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or by going online at www.dtv2009.gov or by mailing your application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be mailed to requesters.

9. Can I apply for someone who is unable to apply for themselves, such as an elderly parent?
Yes, but you will need to use their home address which will be validated for eligibility. Only two coupons can be used per U.S. household address, and the coupons are intended for the resident of that household.

10. Where can I use my coupons?
When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby participating retailers. You can expect to buy TV converter boxes and use your coupons at retail stores where you would normally buy consumer electronics products. You can also go online at www.dtv2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.

11. How do I install a TV converter box?
It is a simple process to install the converter box. They plug directly into TV sets (either in the back or front depending on your TV). You will still need your antenna (which works with the TV converter box). Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box yourself. For specific questions, you should ask your retailer or call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and installation video are available at www.DigitalTips.org.

12. Will I receive Closed Captioning through a converter?
Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to provide Closed Captioning for display on your television.

13. I currently watch Channel 27 because I cannot receive Channel 6. Will a converter box allow me to continue watching the same programming?
Probably not. Because the location of the digital transmitter is the same as the analog Channel 6 transmitter, it is unlikely you will be able to recieve it, at least with your current antenna. To be sure what you can and cannot receive with a converter box, visit antennaweb and enter your street address. If it calculates that you can receive KUAT-DT 6.1, then a converter box will work for you. If you cannot see KUAT-DT, then you will need cable or satellite TV.

14. Will my VCR or DVD player still work once I plug my converter box into my TV?
The analog equipment you currently use will continue to work with (output to) your analog TV set just as before, but they will not be able to receive over-the-air programming without the TV converter box. Attach the converter to your VCR, TiVo, DVD-R, etc. instead of hooking it directly to your TV.

15. Can I start using my TV converter box now or do I need to wait until after February 17, 2009 for it to work?
KUAT and KUAS are currently broadcasting both in digital and analog, so you can plug in your converter box and receive a clearer picture and our “multicast” channels including KUAT Kids, Create and V-me. All other Tucson stations have started broadcasting in digital as well.

16. Will I receive High-Definition TV with a converter box?
No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying High-Definition resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a TV converter box. If you want to view High-Definition TV, then you will need to purchase one of the TVs rated for “High-Definition” resolution.