DTV is HERE!
JUNE 12TH
This Friday, analog broadcast television for full power stations will end and switch to an all digital system.
Troubleshooting Help
Use this interactive guide to walk you through your issue.
No one makes the Digital Conversion easier than Flanners'...
- We have the answers to ALL your questions, and will give you the FULL story about the upcoming digital conversion. Call a Technical Service Rep for help, 262.789.1195
- We have converter boxes, accept the government issued coupons, and of course, also have plenty of NEW digital TVs
- We’ll Ecycle your old TV for FREE! Buy a new TV from Flanner’s, and when we deliver it to your home, we’ll take your old TV and ecycle it, for FREE
Digital Conversion FAQ's
Analog broadcast signals have been the standard since TV first arrived. They are inefficient, and the amount of information they can deliver is limited.
Digital broadcast signals are far more efficient, sending information using ones and zeros, like a computer. With the ability to send more “bits” of information, the picture and sound quality are dramatically improved. A high definition signal is the highest quality digital signal, providing the most “bits” of information, however, it is important to note not all digital signals are in high definition.
Digital broadcasting offers some enhancements, like multicasting, which sends multiple programs at the same time, allowing you to choose which one you want to watch. Other benefits include enhanced Closed Captioning with better resolutions and more flexibility.
You do not NEED a new TV, but it is highly recommended. Options are available which will allow you to keep using an analog set, but you’ll be missing out on the improved clarity and sound offered by the digital signal. By purchasing a new TV with a digital tuner, and the ability to receive high definition signals, you will have all you need to enjoy all the benefits of the digital transition.
There are really two options which would allow you to keep your analog TV…
Set-top Converter Box - If you use an antenna (roof-top, rabbit ears) to receive your television signal, in order to keep using your analog TV you will need a set-top converter box. Cost of these units will vary from $40-$70, and the US Government will provide (2) coupons per household, valued at $40 each, to help cover the cost. (See question specific to coupons below.)
Pay TV Service – If you currently receive your TV signal from a pay TV service (cable or satellite) you will not need a new TV or converter box. For three years from the date of the switch over, Cable and Satellite companies are required to provide an analog “pass through” signal for analog TVs. There may be some issues if you do not get your local channels (4, 6, 10, 12, 58, etc.) through your satellite service (some people get their locals through a roof top antenna.) A call to your Satellite Company or a visit to their web site should help answer any questions.
No, the converter box actually converts a digital signal to an analog signal, so high definition is not possible using an analog TV and convert box set up. If you want to enjoy the improved picture and sound quality of high definition signals, you will need a new digital TV with a digital tuner.
At one time, some TVs were sold as “HD-Ready”, meaning they could show a high definition picture, but did NOT have a built-in digital tuner. An external tuner (extra piece of equipment) or a subscription to a pay TV service that provided such a tuner was the only way to obtain a digital or high definition signal.
If your HD-Ready TV does not have an external tuner, or if you do not subscribe to a pay TV service that provides one for you, you’ll need a converter box just to keep your set working. In order to enjoy a high definition picture, a pay TV service that provides a high definition tuner is an option, or trying to locate an external tuner. That may be a difficult task, as they are no longer produced.
You’ll still be able to PLAY movies from your VCR, DVD player or DVD recorder to your analog TV without any problems. However, if you use the internal tuner on these devices to record shows, or as the second tuner for the picture-in-picture feature on many TVs, and the tuner in that device is an analog tuner, you WILL need a converter box for those as well.
Households can request up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, good towards the purchase of a converter box. Consumers are responsible for requesting the coupons, and once your request has been submitted, the coupons will be mailed to you. You can request your coupons two ways – Calling 1-888-DTV-2009 or going online to www.DTV2009.gov.
Coupons MUST be used within 90 days from the date they were mailed, so plan ahead. Flanner’s Home Entertainment is an official provider of converter boxes and accepts and honors the government issued coupons.
Coupon Program Update – As you may have heard, the government ran out of funding for the Digital Conversion Coupon Program. At this time, there are discussions to increase the funding and provide more coupons, but nothing has been determined. The recent vote to delay the switch-over date did NOT cover any of the issues regarding the funding for the coupon program. As active coupons expire without being used, they are redistributed to the next person on the waiting list. You can add your name to the waiting list on the DTV2009.gov web site or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.
There is no shortage of converter boxes – The only issue is the coupon. You can still purchase a converter box, but you may be unable to acquire a coupon to help offset the cost prior to the June 12th date.