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Q & A about the digital television transition:
 Why is the FCC switching to digital TV (DTV)?
To improve public safety, and to deliver enhanced technology services to the public with greater efficiency.
When will the DTV transition be complete? Television stations serving most markets in the U.S. are already airing digital television programming (WYES went digital on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 12:30 p.m.). We still must provide analog programming until the February 17, 2009 date set by Congress for the completion of the transition to DTV. At that time, broadcasting on the current (analog) channels will end and most of that spectrum will be put to other uses.
If I am a cable TV customer, what di I need to do?
You may have to do little or nothing to enjoy your favorite programming after the switch to digital TV (DTV). Your cable provider will take care of the transition for you!
And, if you've signed up for Digital Cable, you're already enjoying all the benefits of digital TV, including more channel choices, and better quality picture and sound. And even better, if you have a high-definition TV (HDTV), you can ask to be connected to Digital Cable with HDTV. You'll get lots of national and local channels in crystal-clear, high-definition resolution.
If I have an analog TV connected to an antenna what do I need to do?
You have three basic options to allow your analog TV to receive digital programming.
The first two are to subscribe to a cable or satellite service, where they will take care of converting the digital signal to an analog one for your TV.
The third is a do-it-yourself method. Simply purchase a digital-to-analog converter to connect between your antenna and your TV. These converters will be available from retailers early in 2008, and the federal government wants to help you pay for them. You can apply for up to two vouchers that offer a significant discount off the price of the converters. For more information on the converter coupon program, go to www.DTV.gov, or call, toll-free, 1-888-DTV-2009.
How can I get in touch with someone at WYES about my DTV questions?
Fred Barrett, WYES' Chief Engineer, has set up an e-mail at dtv@wyes.org for all questions and concerns about the digital transition. If you do not have an e-mail address, call him during office hours at (504) 342-4684. He will try and answer any questions you may have.
Where can I find more answers to my DTV questions?
DTV Answers.com is an excellent resource for all your questions concerning: analog, digital (DTV), high defintion, converter box coupons and much more. DTV Answers is an initiative brought to you by the National Association of Broadcasters.
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