What you need to know about DTV before February 18, 2009!

The Big Switch
Beginning February 18, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will require all full-power television broadcasters to switch to digital television (DTV) signals. According to the government website, www.dtv2009.gov, digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture, and more programming options.

What this means to 3ABN viewers
You won’t need to do anything if you watch 3ABN by cable or by satellite.
You probably won’t need to do anything if you bought a new TV after January 1, 2007.
If you watch over-the-air broadcasts on an older TV, you may need additional equipment.

Does this affect you?
You’ll need to find out if you have an analog or digital TV. A digital TV has something called a digital tuner built in. Check your owner’s manual, or visit your TV set manufacturer’s website. You can also look closely at your TV set for an input connection labeled Digital Input, or ATSC. TV sets manufactured before 1998 were all analog sets.

Big-screen, projection TV sets sold between 1998 and 2004 may have a built-in digital tuner, but probably do not.

Beginning in 2004, many sets sold in popular electronic stores had digital tuners. Be aware however, that some sets are purely monitors, and lack the circuitry to pick up digital free-to-air signals. These usually have labels that say “HD-ready” or “HDTV monitor,” and require a digital tuner (and a special converter box) to pick up DTV signals.

What About Antennas?
According to the FCC, a special antenna is not generally needed to receive digital signals if you have one that already gives you a good picture. You may have antenna issues, though, if you don’t receive UHF signals well, because most DTV stations are on the UHF band. Mountains, buildings over four stories, or trees over 30 feet can affect your signal.

You may be able to pick up DTV signals with a small antenna, like the popular “rabbit ears” or UHF loop. To avoid interference from passing people or cars, place the antenna up high.

VCRs, DVD players, and video games will continue to work, even if they are only analog-capable.

There are many DTV antennas available, with many more expected soon. For a free survey and recommendations on antennas, visit www.antennaweb.org.

The Solution
If you’re not planning on buying a digital TV set, you’ll need to buy a DTV converter box to watch full-power TV stations. Converters typically cost $40­$70, and can be found in most stores with an electronics department.

But there’s a catch! If you plan to watch a broadcast on most of 3ABN’s downlinks, you’ll need a converter box with pass-through, which allows the analog signal to pass through while still picking up the digital signals, converting them to analog for your set.

Free Coupons
Congress created a program for households keeping their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. It provides two free $40 coupons per household, to be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. These credit card-sized coupons are good at any store, or online but expire 90 days after issue. Apply online at: www.dtv2009.gov, or call toll-free 888-388-2009 (voice), 877-530-2634 (TTY). This government coupon program ends on March 31, 2009.

3ABN’s Low Power TV Stations
The FCC has not required low-power TV (LPTV) stations to switch to digital—yet! But they will, eventually. Since most of our downlinks and affiliates are LPTV stations, you can continue watching them on any analog TV without interruption. But sooner or later you will need a converter box when we change to digital transmitters.

So far, 3ABN has switched to digital TV in the following cities:
Charlotte, North Carolina – Channel 21
Mankato/Lake Crystal, Minnesota – Channel 43
Little Rock, Arkansas – Channel 27
Melbourne, Florida – Channel 32
Wadena, Minnesota – Channel 47
Chico, California – Channel 51
Seattle, Washington – Channel 8
Tulsa, Oklahoma – Channel 69
Pocatello, Idaho – Channel 47

The “Silver Lining
Although the cost of changing over to digital transmitters is high, the DTV era brings new opportunities for 3ABN, since we’ll be able to broadcast three channels of 3ABN programming on each station, instead of one! Please keep us in your prayers as we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world!