The Guide to Digital Transition

By now you've probably heard about digital television. You know that local TV stations around the country are transitioning to digital TV. But you might not understand what that means for you. This guide will help you understand the new universe of digital TV.

Broadcasters are changing to digital because the government has mandated that local TV stations must provide their programming in the new broadcasting technology known as digital TV. Digital brings a crisper, clearer look to your TV picture. Digital technology all lets broadcasters transmit network programming in high-definition as well, also a much sharper picture. Finally, digital technology is also more efficient, freeing up space to transmit other information, such as safety services or additional channels. Nearly all local stations are currrently sending their programming today in digtial as well as analog.

On February 17th, some full-power broadcast television stations in the United States may stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting in digital. The remaining stations may stop broadcasting analog sometime between March 14th and June 12th 2009. June 12th is the final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts under legislation passed by Congress. The FCC's http://www.dtv.gov has more information about this delay.

However, you won't lose your local programming between these dates. Nor do you have to rush out today to buy a new set. But here's what you will need to know to keep receiving your regular programs from the local station.

The big question you probably have is what do you need to buy?

As a NewWave customer, NewWave will be making the investment in our cable infrastructure to continue to provide local networks to you after the transition. So the answer is: nothing.

Many of these signals are available in high-definition and available through NewWave. If you decide to take the high-definition plunge, you'll need a new set. High-definition sets have dropped significantly in price the last few years. While you can still spend thousands for a fancy model to hang on the wall or stretch across your living room, the good news is you can also buy a high-definition set for under $500 today. Head into any electronics retailer that sells TVs and you should be able to find one. You want to check a consumer guide in advance for specific makes and models.

Once you've got the set, you can sign up for high-definition programming through NewWave and not only get your local networks, but also other networks like ESPN, Discovery, ESPN2, TNT and more. If you don't have NewWave's high-definition package, you can still get high-definition signals and digtal TV. You simply need an antenna appropriate for your location to receive your local programming free over the air on your new high-definition set.

Also, remember that if you don't want to invest in a high-definition TV, your set won't go dark on June 12th, 2009 or any other time during the digital transition. NewWave will be making the necessary investment to insure you continue to receive this programming.

By the end of 2007, more than 47 million households in the United States had high-definition TV sets, up from 35 million at the end of 2006. Also, by the end of 2007, only 16 million of those 47 million homes had hooked up their high-definition sets to high-definition programming, according to Jupiter Research. Many consumers don't realize they must sign up for HD programming from their cable operator or use rabbit ears to receive the programming free via their local broadcaster. So if you do buy that new set, don't forget to get the programming too!

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information visit www.dtvtransition.org