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CCTA Spotlight
CCTA Spotlight
Digital TV Transition
The California Cable & Telecommunications Association is committed to helping California’s Consumers through this transition. If you or your constituent is a cable subscriber, THEY’RE COVERED.
However, whether or not you are a cable subscriber, we consider it our duty to help educate all consumers and assist them in choosing the option that works for their situation.
On the back of this brochure are resources to assist you in obtaining information or services to make sure you are ready for the DTV Transition. However, if you or your constituents need additional information, please feel free to call Richelle Orlando of the California Cable & Telecommunications Association at (916) 446-7732.
Carolyn McIntyre
President
The following Cable Operators can be of assistance to your constituents, depending on their area of residence:
Charter - 1(888) 438-2427
Comcast Cable – 1(800) 266-2278
COX Communications 1(888) 269-5757
Time Warner – 1(888) 892-2253
Wave Broadband – 1(866)928-3123
For more information
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
Coupon Program
1(888)388-2009
1(877)530-2634 (TTY)
National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Digital Television Transition Coalition
Preparing Your constituents for the dtv transition
JUNE 12, 2009
This information is provided by the California Cable & Telecommunications Association to assist you in understanding the DTV Transition.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on June 12, 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.
Will the transition affect me?
You will need to take action before June 12, 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.
How do I know if I have a Digital TV or not?
If your television set is labeled anywhere “Digital Receiver”, “Digital Tuner”, “TVE,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” you should be able to view digital over-the –air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box. Labels that say “Digital Monitor” or “HDTV Monitor”, or as “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready” do not mean it actually contains a digital tuner and you will likely need a set-top box containing a digital tuner to view over-the-air digital programming. If you cannot determine whether your television set or other television equipment contains a digital tuner, you are advised to check with your equipment manufacturer
What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder and gaming console
Yes, VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc will work on digital TV sets.
Consumers have three options:
- Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after June 12, 2009, or
- Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
- Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
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 June 12, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, which can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009, you can request a coupon in one of four ways:
- Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov
- Call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
- Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
- Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
