Welcome to OETA-The Oklahoma Network’s DTV Resource Center.

Questions about digital television? Concerned about what you need to do to get ready? The good news is that preparing for the digital conversion on Feb. 17, 2009, is a fairly simple process — and OETA-The Oklahoma Network is here to guide you through, step-by-step. Once you are DTV ready, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy a new world of programming – including OETA’s digital channel OETA OKLA.

The Facts About Digital Television

What is digital television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is an innovative new type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality. DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional broadcast technology known as analog. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time.

What is analog television?
Analog television service is the traditional method of transmitting television signals. Analog is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital, and TV stations can only transmit one channel of programming with an analog signal versus up to four or more programs with a digital signal in the same amount of spectrum. Analog is also susceptible to interference and “snow” that make a picture less clear.

Do I have an analog or digital TV set?
To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. If your television set is labeled as a “Digital Monitor” or “HDTV Monitor,” or as “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready,” this does not mean it actually contains a digital tuner. Thus, you still will likely need a converter box in order to view over-the-air digital programming. You can also call the manufacturer or visit their Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number. Still unsure? Call OETA’s Deputy Director of Technology, Mark Norman at 1-800-879-6382.

What if I don’t have an antenna?
You will need an antenna for your analog television to receive DTV. Visit www.antennaweb.org to find out what type of antenna you’ll need to receive digital television. If you do not have internet access, call OETA’s Deputy Director of Technology, Mark Norman at 1-800-879-6382.

Will I be able to use my VCR, DVD player or camcorder with a DTV set?
Yes, your existing VCR, DVD player and camcorder will still work with a digital television set, but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.

Why is America switching to DTV?
DTV is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it will free up the airwaves for a variety of new services. DTV also provides crystal clear pictures and sound, more channels and even free, over-the-air high-definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets. DTV will also allow more services than ever before with free, broadcast television.

Are DTV and HDTV the same thing?
No.  HDTV, or high-definition television, is the highest quality digital television (DTV) available, offering more than five times the sharpness of today’s analog television, along with digital surround sound capability.  DTV is also available as EDTV (enhanced definition TV) or SDTV (standard definition TV), each with improved pictures and sound over today’s analog televisions.

Should I purchase a digital TV set?
It’s up to you. Although a DTV set is not required to view digital programming, the digital and HD sets monumentally enhances the viewing experience, providing crystal clear sound and picture. If you decide to purchase new digital television set or high definition (HD) TV set (these sets do not require a converter box) and enjoy the full glory of DTV programming, be sure to keep the following in mind:

Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.

An Integrated DTV set is a television with a built-in digital tuner (also referred to as “a DTV”). A digital tuner is also sometimes called a DTV decoder or DTV receiver. If you have an Integrated DTV, you will not need any additional equipment, with the exception of a broadcast antenna (either a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” connected to the set), to receive over-the-air digital broadcast programming. Integrated DTVs can also receive and display analog broadcast programming, so you can continue watching analog broadcasts.

As with older sets, if your DTV set does not have a built-in digital tuner, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations.

In a recent survey of local retail and wholesale stores, OETA found HDTVs selling for as little as $100. Although the larger LCD (liquid crystal display) sets sell from $3,000 to $5,000, you can buy a 32-46 inch LCD set for less than $1,000.

There are several varieties of HDTVs — LCD, plasma and rear-projection. Each type has its pros and cons.

All new TVs sold in the U.S. must include digital tuners. However, retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory. The FCC requires them to display a consumer alert that TVs with analog-only tuners will require a converter box to receive over-the-air digital broadcasts.

Digital Television on OETA

OETA's main digital channel transmits the basic OETA lineup of programs with the improved, crystal-clear images that high definition provides. This channel provides the opportunity for you to experience your favorite OETA programs in a whole new way. Enjoy PBS signature series such as NOVA, Nature and Great Performances through glorious high definition and widescreen. OETA now enables you to storm the African wilderness with a family of elephants, soar through space with an asteroid or sing along with the best and brightest performers and musicians on the planet.

As television moves into the digital age, OETA will continue to broadcast traditional public television favorites on its analog channel until the government-mandated conversion date of February 17, 2009.

Once you make the switch, you will have more OETA to choose from … check out our digital OKLA channel:

Oklahomans know OETA provides engaging, educational and entertaining programming 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Are you ready for more? Once you’re DTV ready, you’ll have another OETA channel packed with even more of your favorite programs - OKLA. This unique channel, designed specifically for Oklahomans of all ages and interests, provides a broad range of programming: digital television = double the OETA!

What’s on OKLA? Here’s a taste …

Miss last night’s Masterpiece Theatre? Did OETA pre-empt your favorite PBS program? OKLA provides a 24-hour delay of the PBS prime time schedule.

Does your family long Saturday morning cartoons? Check out OKLA’s weekend kids’ block, featuring old favorites such as Sesame Street and new classics you can’t watch anywhere else.

Why doesn’t OETA air Charlie Rose or Tavis Smiley? We do now — thanks to OKLA, you can watch the most fascinating talk shows on television weeknights beginning at 10 p.m.

Want to learn more about this great state? OKLA features weekday encores of Stateline, Gallery, Oklahoma News Report and more.

About High Definition Digital Television (or HDTV)

What is High Definition TV (HDTV)?
HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. HDTV programs include Dolby digital surround sound, similar to what is used in movie theaters and on DVDs. HDTV pictures use the TV screen differently. They take advantage of six times as many picture elements as your current set.

An HDTV program must originate in HDTV and be broadcast in HDTV. This is important. Just because you have an HDTV set and signal does not mean that everything you watch will be in High Definition. And just because a program arrives through a digital cable or a digital satellite does not mean it is in High Definition. Much of the programming today, even that received from a digital satellite, digital cable or even a digital channel broadcast over the air, is delivered in what is known as standard definition. You will get a better picture than you would get with the analog broadcasts TV has used for all these years, because a digital picture will be free from the ghosts and snow that can plague analog transmissions. A standard definition digital picture will be good, but not nearly as sharp and crisp as High Definition. You will be able to tell the difference.

Receiving Digital Television

Will I be able to receive DTV in my area?
The FCC has mandated that DTV broadcasts should cover existing analog TV service areas. In many cases, a small antenna (and possibly an amplifier) will be all you need to receive the signals. Field experience has shown that digital TV signals are usually receivable farther out than analog signals. DTV signals also hold up better at much lower levels than analog.

What equipment will I need to receive OETA's digital channels?
Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a new DTV tuner that can decode the digital signals. In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air for all analog TV signals (VHF and UHF) will work for DTV reception.

For Viewers on a Conventional Set:

For Viewers with a Digital Television Set:

 

Cox Digital Cable subscribers must have a either a Digital television set with integrated DTV receiver or a separate Digital Cable Receiver. You can buy the tuner and display in an integrated DTV, with both built in (just as the two have been built into conventional TVs for 60 years). Some digital cable providers, such as Cox Communications, will lease a CableCARD, which is inserted into the CableCARD slot on a Digital Cable Ready device, and enables consumers to receive digital programming, including high-definition (HD) programs, without a set-top box. If you purchase a DTV monitor (an analog TV with the capability to display DTV) you will need to buy a DTV tuner in a separate set-top box.

For Digital Cable Viewers on a Conventional Set:

For Digital Cable Viewers on a Integrated Digital Television Set:

 

DTV tuners can also be included in a DTV satellite receiver, a DTV capable digital cable receiver or an over the air DTV tuner. Some set-top boxes include both over the air DTV receivers and satellite DTV receivers.

Depending on where you live, DTV signals can be delivered through digital cable, digital satellite or an over-the-air antenna that receives digital signals. For over the air transmission, the type of antenna required depends on your location and distance from transmitters and local terrain. In many instances, a rooftop antenna will be more effective. To find out what antenna works for your home, use the CEA antenna map program. Your tuner will have to match the type of signal you're trying to receive. In other words, if you want to receive the DTV signal from a satellite provider, you will need their appropriate DTV set-top satellite receiver or a Digital television set with a built-in tuner.

*Cox and Cox Digital Cable are trademarks of Cox Communications, Inc.

Digital Television Equipment

Will I need a new TV if I have an analog TV?
Even when the DTV transition is completed on Feb. 17, 2009, you will be able to use your analog TV with a set-top converter box. Converter boxes for analog TVs receiving over-the-air broadcasts will be available in retail stores at the beginning of 2008. These boxes receive DTV signals and change them into analog format. The federal government has plans to offer up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes for households with analog TVs receiving over-the-air broadcasts. You can obtain these coupons from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) - visit their Web site at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, talk to your provider about obtaining a converter box for your analog television.

How will my TV set change?
Changing broadcast industry standards to DTV is the biggest thing that's happened since the switch from black-and-white to color. To fully enjoy all that DTV can be, you may eventually want to purchase a new set - one that will capture every bit of OETA's digital signal and bring it to you in stunning color with superior sound.
Although digital sets are fairly expensive now, prices will eventually drop. By July 2007 all television sets sold in the US will be capable of DTV reception. Many manufacturers have also developed digital tuner cards so that you can enjoy digital programming from your PC or laptop.

What equipment do I need to receive digital TV?
There are a number of ways to receive DTV signals. Some digital television sets have the digital decoding and tuning functions built into the TV - an integrated, one product solution. Others are a two-part system-a digital monitor, capable of displaying HDTV, EDTV or SDTV signals-plus a tuner/demodulator/decoder in a separate set-top box. The two-part solution allows consumers to upgrade to DTV when they are ready.

Which is better-the set-top box or integrated receiver approach?
It all depends on what you are looking for, how much you want to pay, and when you want to make your purchase. If the local stations in your area are broadcasting DTV, an integrated set is probably the set to buy. However, if the stations in your area are not yet broadcasting DTV, you might consider buying a high-definition monitor now-to get improved pictures for your regular television programs (via satellite, cable, or through your antenna) and your DVD-and then add a set-top box once stations in your area are on the air with digital programming.

Are DTV sets very expensive?
Just as color television sets were expensive when first introduced, new digital TVs were quite expensive at first, with manufacturers concentrating initially on "high-end" models. Now, several years into the transition, prices have dropped significantly. As with any consumer electronics business model, as more DTV sets are sold, the per-unit prices drop.

Will My VCR And DVD Player Work With DTV?
Today's VCRs and DVD players will work with digital television sets. However, the picture quality will only be equal to the best of what today's VCR and DVD players can deliver.

What Is the Difference Between Integrated DTV and DTV Monitors?
An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital decoder or DTV receiver. If you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you only need an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming. Integrated TVs (if so stated) can receive and display current analog signals also.
In contrast, a DTV monitor is not capable of receiving DTV programming without additional equipment; it is simply a display device similar to a computer monitor without the computer processor. A DTV set-top decoder must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display broadcast over-the-air DTV programming. Also, a DTV monitor can also be used with cable and satellite as long as an appropriate set-top box is supplied to convert the cable or satellite signal to digital.
Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top decoder is compatible and has the proper connectors to interface with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing. Most monitors have a built-in analog receiver and can display analog TV programming. They can also display video from DVD players and VCRs - through their connectors.

Will Integrated DTV and DTV Monitors Display HDTV?
Integrated DTV sets and DTV monitors do not necessarily display programming in full HDTV format. Some integrated sets and monitors will display DTV in lower-resolution enhanced definition or standard definition format. Although sets may be marketed with labels that imply HDTV resolution, check with your retailer before purchasing.

What are the main attributes of new DTV sets?
New DTV sets are typically widescreen models, allowing the pictures to be viewed more like those experienced in a movie theater. The wider picture, especially in larger set sizes, enhances sports and drama viewing, making you feel more involved in the action, as well as rendering more realistic pictures. As with current TV sets, a range of sizes is available, from 15-inch or so table-top models up through very large screen projection systems. It is important to remember that large screen size takes greatest advantage of the superb imagery of HDTV. Because the DTV signal is transmitted digitally, it means that the user will not longer experience noise ("snow") or ghosts on their displays.

Digital Receiver Availability and FCC Tuner Requirements
Remember, even with a converter, your current analog television will not display the full picture quality of DTV. To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set. The FCC requires that new television receivers include the capability to receive digital TV signals. By March 2007, all new TVs should have digital tuners built in and eventually manufacturers will stop making television sets with analog tuners.

Helpful Links About Digital Television

Resources…

There are a number of Web sites providing additional information about digital television and the DTV transition:

www.dtvanswers.com

This official National Association of Broadcasters digital television site contains comprehensive news, information and resources about DTV, including how to choose an antenna and important facts and contact information.

www.dtv.gov

This site features a consumer corner filled with DTV FAQs, tip sheets and shopper guides for purchasing a digital television and DTV fact sheets, plus “Facts at a Glance,” a DTV glossary, the latest DTV news and more.

www.dtvtransition.org

This site features a DTV quiz, details on converter boxes, info on the benefits of DTV, helpful links and more.

www.pbs.org/digitaltv

The official PBS digital television site contains helpful information on programming and converting to DTV.

www.dtv2009.gov

Register for your converter boxes, find a retailer near you, weigh your DTV options and more.

www.fcc.gov/dtv

This FCC site provides a wealth of DTV facts and detailed explanations of a broad range of related questions, as well as a comprehensive list of all DTV-related actions taken by the FCC.

Ask OETA

Questions or comments about OETA DTV? Call 800/879-6382 or e-mail info@oeta.tv.

Converter Box Info

The Basics…

What?
Digital television (DTV) is a new broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV offers movie-quality picture and sound. It also offers multiple programming choices. It is a more efficient, flexible technology that most countries already use.

Why?
By federal mandate, all U.S. TV stations must broadcast in digital and turn off their analog services. The government will auction off the broadcast spectrum space currently used by analog channels for telecommunications services such as public safety and advanced wireless communications.

When?
OETA and other local and national stations, such as NBC, CBS and ABC, already air digital television programming. Most stations, including OETA, will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. Congress has chosen Feb. 17, 2009 as the deadline for full-power TV stations including OETA to stop broadcasting on their current analog channels and make the final transition to digital.

How?

1. Keep Your Current TV Set. 
   Don’t panic - you will not have to buy a new television set. Analog-only TVs will also continue to work as before with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products.
2. Keep Your Current Antenna 
   In general, if you’re an antenna viewer, you can continue to use your current rooftop or indoor antenna to bring in a digital signal.
3. Sign Up for a Converter Box Coupon 
   The federal government is sponsoring a coupon program that will help antenna viewers with analog TV sets to purchase converter boxes. These boxes are easy-to-install and hook up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna, converting the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV. Here are the details:
   • Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of up to two set-top converter boxes. Make sure to register before the March 31, 2009 deadline.
   • To register for your coupons, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit dtv2009.gov.
   • The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products.
   • When you receive the coupons, you will also get instructions on how to use them, a list of which boxes can be purchased with the coupon and a list of retailers where you can purchase the boxes.
4. Purchase a Converter Box  
   If you view programming for free, over the air on an analog television and use an outside antenna or indoor antenna (rabbit ears), you will need a digital-to-analog set-top converter box connected to each analog TV in your house. You won’t see full digital quality on an analog TV, but you’ll still get the programming you had been receiving, along with new channels, including OETA OKLA. Once you receive your coupons, you can purchase the boxes at electronic retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Target and Wal-Mart. Each box is expected to cost between $50 and $70.