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MG2000 and Digital-to Analog FAQ's
Why MicroGEM?
Connecting the MG2000 with a VCR
1 Connect Ant to the Ant-In on the MG2000
2. Connect the RF-Out (In the users guide typo list this as RF-IN). to the Ant-In on the VCR
3. Connect the VCR Ant-Out to the TV input.
Note For recoding you can only record what is set on the MG2000.
Making a Analog Pass through to allow both analog and digital to the TV or VCR.
You will need 2 Splitter and 3 Cables
Connect the Ant to one splitter "A" Input
Connect the Cable from Splitter "A" to Splitter "B"
Connect Cable from output of MG2000 to Splitter "B"
Connect Cable From Splitter "A" to Ant- In on MG2000
Connect the Splitter "B" to TV or VCR.
Now when the MG2000 is on you will receive the Digital on channel 3 or 4 and when MG2000 is in standby the Ant will go to the TV or VCR for use.
FAQ’s Brought to you from The NTIA website www.dtv2009.gov
Background on Digital Television Transition
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 promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
2. 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 will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.
3. What are my options so I can continue to get TV after February 17, 2009?
Consumers have a variety of options. If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick quiz to help you figure out what to do at www.DTVTransition.org. Options to explore include:
1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
4. 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 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 from this program. For a list of TV converter boxes that can be purchased with $40 government coupons, please click here.
5. What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), hearing-impaired consumers can use our TTY service by calling: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY), by applying online or by mailing their application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be mailed to requesters.
7. 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 click here to enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
8. How do I install a TV converter box?
Converter boxes plug 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 using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. 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.
9. Why is the digital transition happening?
Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience. Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.
10. What is NTIA’s role in the transition?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress.
11. Will the transition affect me?
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. 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.
12. 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:
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 chances aren’t great. 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 or a cable TV connection.
13. I’m a cable customer. Will I be affected by the transition?
Cable and satellite subscribers should check with their providers before February 17, 2009, to see how they are handling the transition. TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not require a TV converter box from this program.
Translator and low-power television stations are not required to go all-digital after February 17, 2009. Viewers of these broadcast stations should contact their station for details. As these stations go digital, consumers will need to take action to continue to receive their free TV with an antenna and may want to consider applying for TV converter box coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, because after that date, coupons will no longer be available.
1. What should I do to be ready for the television transition?
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 will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV
sets continue to work. Consumers have a variety of options.
Options to explore include:
1. Keeping your existing analog TV and purchasing a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009. It is expected to cost between $50 and $70 and be available in early 2008, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick quiz to help you figure out your options at www.DTVTransition.org.
2. Where can I purchase a converter box?
Certified retailers can be found here and on the retailer website (www.ntiadtv.gov) when coupon distribution begins. Consumers will receive a list of nearby participating retailers when their coupons arrive by mail.
3. Will I need to buy a new television after February 17, 2009?
No, you will not need to get rid of your analog TV after February 17, 2009. If you receive your TV programs for free using an antenna—that is, your TV set is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service—you can purchase a TV converter box and plug it into your existing TV set to continue to receive TV programs after February 17, 2009.
4. Do I need a converter box if I have cable or satellite?
TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a TV converter box from this program to receive programs after February 17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009.
5. Will I still need an antenna to receive programming?
Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air programming, you will still need it after you install a converter box. In some cases, TV viewers may need a new antenna. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.
1. How much do I have to pay for a TV converter box?
When TV converter boxes are available, retail stores will set the price. TV converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70. The Federal Government permits each U.S. household up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of the converter box. After applying the coupon, participating retailers will charge consumers the remaining balance of between $10 and $30.
2. When can I buy a TV converter box?
TV converter boxes are expected to be available in early 2008 at retailers where you would normally buy consumer electronics products. Before shopping for your converter box, you might want to call ahead to make sure retailers have converter boxes available.
3. What is meant by an “eligible” TV converter box?
TV converter box models must meet technical and performance standards determined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in order to qualify for the Coupon Program. A list of eligible make and model numbers for purchase with the coupon can be found at our website, by clicking here.
4. Which manufacturers are making the TV converter boxes? Are there differences?
See a complete list of eligible TV converter boxes here. TV converter box features may vary depending on the brand; however all models will allow your analog TV to continue to operate after February 17, 2009. The best way to get information on individual converter boxes is to visit the manufacturer’s website—or ask a customer service specialist at a store that sells them.
5. Does someone have to come into my home to install the converter box?
No, you should be able to install the converter box yourself using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline or ask your retailer. The NTIA program does not provide technical support.
6. How big is the converter box?
Converter boxes are about the size of a paperback book. Most will fit on top of a small to medium TV set.
7. Can I use the converter box along with my cable box?
No. Converter boxes from this program work only with over-the-air broadcast television signals, not cable or satellite service.
8. Will I receive Closed Captioning through a converter?
Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to provide Closed Captioning for display on your television.
9. Do I need to purchase a TV converter box that is the same brand as my TV
No.
Generally not.
11.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.
Consumers can begin enjoying the benefits of digital television today. Because most full-power stations are currently broadcasting both in digital and analog, viewers can plug in their converter boxes and generally receive a clearer picture and “multicast” channels, where they are available.
13.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 one of the newer sets rated for “High-Definition” resolution.
Coupon Program: Getting a Coupon
1. When can I apply for my coupons?
You can apply for a coupon between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, while supplies last.
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:
· Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Hearing-impaired consumers can use our TTY service by calling: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY).
· Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Download a Coupon Application here.
· Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
The consumer contact center will operate in six languages in addition to English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The contact center will be accessible for hearing-impaired persons through a TTY number. The contact center and website can help answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues.
3. Are coupon applications available any place else such as the library or grocery store?
NTIA is working with its partners to make applications available in the places where it makes the most sense for each community. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009, or, apply online. If you don’t have a computer, your local library probably has computer terminals for public use.
4. Will retailers make coupon applications available in their stores?
Some retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores. Retailers, however, cannot provide the coupons; consumers must request them from the Government. The decision to provide applications is up to each retailer. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009, or apply online.
5. When will I get my coupons?
Consumers who apply at the beginning or 2008 will receive their coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail stores, probably in late February or early March.
6. What will the TV converter box coupon look like?
Coupons will look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely in the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons will carry no stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.
7. Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?
Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.
8. How many coupons can I request?
Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.
9. What information do I need to provide the government to request my coupons?
The TV converter box coupon application requires that you provide your name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two) and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service.
10.Will the government use my name and address for other purposes?
No. Your personal information is protected under privacy laws and will not be sold or used for other purposes other than administering the NTIA Coupon Program.
11.Are nursing homes, group homes and other institutions eligible for coupons?
Applicants must meet the Census definition of a household as consisting of “all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters and has a separate U.S. postal address.” A household is defined as separate living quarters with a separate U.S. Postal address. This definition includes all households located in U.S. Territories, but does not include Post Office Boxes.
12.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.
13.What if I receive my mail at a Post Office Box?
The government can mail coupons to Post Office boxes in areas without home mail delivery. Post Office boxes will be accepted only for households on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native villages and other rural areas. The government may request additional information to validate the physical location of these households.
1. If I can’t find a retailer in my area that carries TV converter boxes, can I purchase one online?
To see a list of participating online retailers click here.
2. Can I use my coupons to purchase any TV converter box?
No. The government will provide a list of coupon-eligible converter boxes and participating retailers here. You may also ask participating retailers whether TV converter boxes in their stores can be purchased with the $40 government coupon.
No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be used only for purchases of coupon-eligible converter boxes.
4. Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a TV converter box I’ve already purchased?
No. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.
5. What happens to my coupon after I use it?
It is instantly deactivated and cannot be used again. Stores may keep them or you can throw them away. You should keep your receipt and a record of your coupon number in case you decide to exchange or return the converter box.
6. Can I replace a lost or stolen coupon?
No. Coupons cannot be reissued. If you have requested one coupon, you may be eligible to receive another. If both coupons have been lost or stolen, or you have requested both coupons, used one, and the other coupon is lost or stolen, by law we are unable to reissue coupon replacements.
7. Can I use both coupons toward the purchase of one converter box?
No. Only one coupon can be used per coupon-eligible converter box.
8. Can coupons be used by other members of a household?
Yes. Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However, only two coupons can be issued per household regardless of the number of occupants or families.
9. Can I transfer the coupon to someone else?
No, but anyone from your household can redeem the coupons when purchasing a TV converter box from a certified retailer.
10. Do the coupons have cash value?
No. The coupon has no cash value.
No. It is illegal to sell, duplicate or tamper with the coupon.
12. Can a retailer refuse to accept the coupons?
Retailers that are not participating in the Coupon Program will not be able to accept the coupons. Only retailers certified by the NTIA will accept the coupons. A list of certified retailers in your area can be found here.
13. How long are coupons active?
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it.
14. How long should I wait before checking on the status of my coupon?
Consumers who apply at the beginning of 2008 will receive their coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail stores, probably in late February or early March. Please wait until then to check the status of your coupon.
You will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount, but you can receive cash or credit for any amount you paid out of pocket, if the store policy permits returns or exchanges.
16. Can I exchange my TV converter box for another one?
If the retail store permits exchanges, you can exchange the converter you purchased for another coupon-eligible converter box.
17. If a coupon expires before it is used, can a consumer re-apply?
If a consumer requests only one coupon and it expires before it is used, then they can apply for a second coupon. Once two coupons have been issued to that household, the consumer will no longer be eligible to request any more coupons. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.
No. Coupons are only valid for eligible converter boxes. The intent of the program is to allow consumers to continue to view TV over-the-air on the same TV they used prior to the transition, not to enable upgrades in technology.
19. Can a coupon be used to pay for sales tax?
No. The $40 coupon can only be used towards the price of an eligible TV converter box, excluding any sales tax.
20. Can a consumer purchase two TV converter boxes with two coupons in a single transaction?
Yes, if the consumer is purchasing two TV converter boxes with two valid coupons.
21. What is the last day to redeem coupons?
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed and will have the expiration date printed on the coupon. The last day to apply for coupons is March 31, 2009, or until supplies are exhausted.
No, the coupon can only be used for the price of an eligible converter box. Consumers will not get change back. If the converter box is priced below $40, then consumers will only pay any applicable sales tax.
23. If the converter box is more than $40, how can the consumer pay the difference?
The consumer may pay the difference with any other form of payment acceptable to the retailer. Two coupons may not be combined towards the purchase of a single converter box.
24. What happens if a consumer purchases more than one converter box and has only one coupon?
Consumers may purchase as many converter boxes as they choose. However, a single coupon can only be used to purchase one coupon-eligible converter box. If the consumer decides to purchase additional converter boxes, they must pay the full cost.
25. Can two coupons be combined towards the purchase of a single converter box?
No.
1. Who runs the Coupon Program website, www.dtv2009.gov?
The website is run under the supervision of the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Federal government agency in charge of administering the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. More information on the NTIA can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov.
Standard Terms and Definitions
A traditional, less-efficient and lower quality system that uses radio frequency (RF) waves to transmit and display pictures and sound.
Often called an ATSC receiver or HDTV tuner, allows reception of digital television (DTV) signals broadcast over-the-air by TV stations. May be integrated into a television, VCR, digital video recorder, or set-top box.
The entire range of frequencies used for radio and television transmission.
Using radio waves to distribute radio or TV programs which are available for reception by the general public.
Department whose responsibility is to "foster, serve, and promote the Nation's economic development and technological advancement".
Describes a new, more efficient method of storing, processing and transmitting information through the use of computer code.
The umbrella term used for the new broadcasting system that uses computer code to transmit pictures and sounds. DTV includes all types of digital broadcasting, including High and Standard Definition television, datacasting and multicasting.
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box
A stand-alone device that receives and converts digital signals into a format for display on an analog television receiver.
High-Definition Television (HDTV)
One type of digital television signal that is broadcast at a higher resolution than the others, providing a higher-quality picture.
All of the people who occupy a housing unit. A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room occupied as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live separately from any other people in the building and that have direct access from the outside of the building or through a common hall.
The ability to transmit multiple standard-definition programs at the same time using a single digital broadcast channel.
Nation Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
The President's principal adviser on telecommunications and information policy issues.
A device built-in to a TV that allows reception of analog broadcasting.
Refers to the transmission and reception of information in a wireless communication system.
A V-shaped set-top antenna that is adjustable in length and angle.
Amount of detail that can be seen in a broadcast image.
An antenna mounted on the roof of a structure.
A stand-alone device that connects to a television and an external source of signal, turning the signal into content which is then displayed on the television screen.
The basic digital television format closest in quality to traditional analog TV.
Respuestas a Preguntas Frecuentes
Para una lista de términos importantes relacionados al Programa de Cupón y la Transición Digital y sus definiciones, haga clic aquí.
Antecedentes sobre la transición a televisión digital
1. ¿Qué es la transición a la televisión digital?
A la medianoche del 17 de febrero del 2009, todas las estaciones de televisión de plena potencia en los Estados Unidos dejarán de transmitir en señal análoga y cambiarán a una transmisión 100 por ciento digital. La difusión digital promete brindar una imagen más clara y más opciones de programación, y liberará las ondas para el uso de los socorristas.
2. ¿Mi televisor funcionará después del 17 de febrero del 2009?
Los televisores análogos que reciben TV gratuita y que usan una antena no funcionarán después del 17 de febrero del 2009. Los televidentes que tengan estos televisores y que no tengan un servicio pagado tendrán que tomar medidas antes del 17 de febrero del 2009, a fin de asegurarse de que sus televisores continúen funcionando.
Los consumidores tienen una variedad de opciones. Si no está seguro de qué hacer,
conteste un rápido cuestionario para ayudarle a averiguar qué hacer en
www.DTVTransition.org.
Entre las diferentes opciones se incluyen:
1. Comprar una caja convertidora que podrá conectar a su televisor análogo. Una
caja convertidora se conecta a su televisor y la mantendrá en funcionamiento
después del 17 de febrero del 2009, o
2. Conectar su televisor análogo al cable, satélite u otro servicio pagado, o
3.
Comprar una televisor con sintonizador digital.
4. ¿Qué es una caja convertidora para TV?
Una caja convertidora para televisor es un producto nuevo que estará disponible a principios de 2008, el cual se conecta a su televisor análogo y, junto con su antena, mantendrá su televisor análogo funcionando después del 17 de febrero del 2009. Una caja convertidora de televisor es una compra que se hace una sola vez y se estima que cuesten entre $50 y $70. Si su televisor está conectado a un servicio de cable o satélite, no necesita solicitar a este programa una caja convertidora para televisor. Para obtener la lista de cajas convertidorasde televisor que se pueden comprar con los cupones del gobierno de $40, haga clic aquí.
5. ¿Qué es el Programa de Cupones para caja convertidora de televisor?
El Congreso creó el Programa de Cupones para caja convertidora de televisor para aquellos hogares que deseen seguir usando sus televisores análogos después del 17 de febrero del 2009. El Programa permite a los hogares estadounidenses obtener hasta dos cupones, cada uno con valor de $40 que se pueden aplicar al costo de las cajas convertidoras que reúnan los requisitos.
Entre el 1 de enero del 2008 y el 31 del marzo de 2009, los consumidores pueden solicitar hasta dos cupones con valor de $40 por hogar llamando al 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), los consumidores con discapacidad auditiva pueden utilizar nuestro servicio del equipo teleescritor (TTY) por llamar: 1-877-530-2634 (Inglés/TTY) o 1-866-495-1161 (Español/TTY), visitando la página de internet www.DTV2009.gov o enviando su solicitud por correo a PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Los cupones se enviarán por correo a las personas que los soliciten.
7. ¿Dónde puedo usar mis cupones?
Cuando se le envíe el cupón, éste incluirá un anexo con una lista de establecimientos participantes cercanos a usted. Puede contar con que es posible comprar las cajas convertidoras de televisor y usar sus cupones en almacenes donde normalmente compraría productos electrónicos. También puede visitar la página de internet en www.DTV2009.gov, ingrese su código postal y ubique los establecimientos participantes en un mapa.
8. ¿Cómo instalo una caja convertidora para televisor?
Las cajas convertidoras se conectan a los televisores, ya sea en la parte trasera o en la parte frontal, dependiendo de su TV. Aun así necesitará su antena, la cual funciona con la caja convertidora. Cada caja convertidora de televisor tendrá las instrucciones de instalación provistas por el fabricante. Debe poder instalar la caja convertidora usando las instrucciones que el fabricante le proporciona. Si tiene preguntas específicas, debe preguntar al establecimiento donde lo compró o llamar a la línea directa de soporte del fabricante del aparato. Se ha puesto a su disposición una "Guía rápida de inicio" y un video de instalación en www.DigitalTips.orgg
9. /span> ¿¿Por qué se hará la transición a señal digital?
Las transmisoras hacen la transición a señal digital con el fin de brindar beneficios importantes a los consumidores. Debido a que la transmisión digital es más eficiente, las transmisoras necesitan menos ondas para brindar una mejor experiencia televisiva. Una vez que la transición a televisión digital se complete, algunos canales de televisión pasarán a los departamentos de bomberos y de policía a fin de que brinden comunicaciones de emergencia y otros serán subastados a compañías con el fin de que brinden nuevos servicios inalámbricos.
La National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), que es parte del Departamento de Comercio de EE. UU., tiene a su cargo el Programa de cupones para caja convertidora de televisor bajo la dirección del Congreso.
11. ¿La transición me afectará?
Si actualmente ve la televisión en un televisor análogo que no esté conectado a un servicio de cable, satélite u otro servicio de televisión pagado, debe tomar medidas antes del 17 de febrero del 2009. Si tiene un televisor con sintonizador digital o se suscribe a un servicio de televisión pagado, es muy probable que después de la transición continúe recibiendo la programación televisiva de forma normal.
12. ¿Cómo puedo saber si tengo un televisor análoga o digital?
Lo que necesita saber es si su televisor tiene integrado un "sintonizador
digital". Si lo tiene, su televisor funcionara después del 17 de febrero del
2009. La mejor forma de determinar si su televisor tiene un sintonizador digital
integrado es consultar su manual del usuario. Si esto no es posible, puede
buscar información sobre su televisor en el sitio de internet del fabricante. O,
puede revisar su televisor directamente. En todo caso, lo que debe investigar es
si su televisor tiene una conexión de entrada con una etiqueta que diga "digital
input” o "ATSC" (por Advanced Television Systems Committee, que es el formato
DTV).
A continuación le mostramos algunas guías que pueden ayudarle: Si compró su
televisor antes de 1998, es probable que no tenga un sintonizador digital en
absoluto. Casi todo televisor hecho antes de 1998 era un aparato "análogo"
tradicional. Si compró un televisor de pantalla gigante y proyección entre 1998
y 2004, es posible que tenga integrado un sintonizador digital. Pero las
probabilidades no son muy altas. Solo a un porcentaje limitado de televisores de
proyección (y generalmente solo aquellos de 42 pulgadas o más de diámetro) se
les instalaron sintonizadores digitales antes de 2004.
Si compró un nuevo televisor a partir de 2004, las probabilidades de que tenga
sintonizador digital integrado mejoran considerablemente. A partir de 2004,
muchos de los televisores que se vendieron en tiendas populares de electrónicos
tienen la ventaja del sintonizador digital que funcionará después del 17 de
febrero del 2009. Pero esto no es muy seguro. Incluso algunos de los televisores
más nuevos son meramente monitores de visualización que carecen de los circuitos
internos necesarios para captar las transmisiones digitales. Normalmente estos
televisores se han promocionado como aparatos "HD-ready" o "monitor HDTV". Esto
significa que pueden mostrar señales digitales y de alta definición, pero
necesitan ayuda para captar esas señales en primer lugar. Aún necesitará una
caja convertidora especial o conexión al televisor por cable.
13. Tengo señal de cable. ¿Me veré afectado por la transición?
Los suscriptores a servicios de cable y satélite deberían investigar con sus proveedores antes del 17 de febrero del 2009, con el fin de saber cómo están manejando el asunto de la transición. Si su televisor está conectado a un servicio de cable o satélite, no necesita solicitar a este programa un convertidor para televisor.
No se les exige a las estaciones de televisión de traductor y baja potencia cambiar por completo a señal digital antes 17 del febrero del 2009. Los televidentes de estas estaciones de televisión deben ponerse en contacto con sus estaciones para saber más detalles. Conforme estas estaciones cambien a señal digital, los consumidores tendrán que tomar medidas para continuar recibiendo la señal televisiva gratuita con una antena y querrán considerar hacer una solicitud de los cupones para obtener una caja convertidora de televisor entre el 1 de enero del 2008 y el 31 de marzo del 2009, ya que después de esa fecha, los cupones ya no estarán disponibles.
Opciones a disposición de los consumidores
1. ¿Qué debo hacer a fin de estar listo para la transición de televisión?
Los televisores análogos que reciben señales televisivas gratuitamente y que
usan una antena no funcionarán después del17 de febrero de 2009. Los
televidentes que tengan estos televisores y que no tengan un servicio pagado
tendrán que tomar medidas antes del 17 de febrero del 2009, a fin de asegurarse
de que sus televisores continúen funcionando. Los consumidores tienen una
variedad de opciones.
Entre las diferentes opciones se incluyen:
1. Comprar una caja convertidora que podrá conectar a su televisor análogo. Una
caja convertidora se conecta a su televisor y la mantendrá en funcionamiento
después del 17 de febrero del 2009, o
2. Conectar su televisor análogo al cable, satélite u otro servicio pagado, o
3. Comprar una televisor con sintonizador digital.
Si no está seguro de qué hacer, conteste un rápido cuestionario para ayudarle a
averiguar qué hacer en
www.DTVTransition.org.
2. ¿Dónde puedo comprar una caja convertidora?
Cuando comience la distribución de los cupones, la lista de comerciantes minoristas certificados estará en el sitio de internet del Programa de cupón para una caja convertidora de televisor, en www.DTV2009.gov y en los sitios de internet del Departamento de Comercio (www.ntiadtv.gov). Cuando los cupones lleguen por correo, los consumidores recibirán una lista de comerciantes minoristas cercanos a su casa.
3. ¿Necesitaré comprar un televisor después del 17 de febrero del 2009?
No. No es necesario que se deshaga de su televisor análogo después del 17 de febrero del 2009. Si recibe sus programas de televisión gratuitamente usando una antena, es decir, su televisor no está conectado a cable, satélite u otro servicio pagado, puede comprar una caja convertidora para televisor y conectarlo a su televisor actual a fin de continuar recibiendo sus programas después del 17 de febrero del 2009.
4. ¿Necesito un convertidor si tengo cable o satélite?
Los televisores conectados al cable, satélite u otro servicio pagado no necesitan una caja convertidora de televisor para poder recibir programas después del 17 de febrero del 2009. Pregunte a su proveedor de cable o satélite para determinar cómo darán soporte a su televisor análogo después del 17 de febrero del 2009.
5.