DTV FAQs
To see what's on VPT Digital TV, check out our 
What is digital television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of 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.
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Is digital TV the same as HDTV (high definition television)?
All HDTV is digital, but not all digital TV is HD. Some digital television broadcasts are in standard definition, a format that looks as good as the best quality analog broadcasts. To see true HD, you need a HD television set. However, you can still enjoy Vermont Public Television's HD programs on an analog television set if you connect a digital converter box.
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What is analog television?
Analog television is what most people still have. It's the traditional method of transmitting television signals. Analog transmission has been the standard broadcast technology ever since TV began. Analog is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital. Analog is also susceptible to interference and “snow” that make a picture less clear.
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What is the DTV transition?
The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition will be completed on Feb. 17, 2009, as set by Congress.
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Why is this change happening?
DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. The switch to digital broadcasting will enable television stations to offer dramatically clearer pictures, better sound quality and more programming choices. Since digital television uses less spectrum than analog television, the analog turn-off will also free up some of the airwaves to provide wireless spectrum for future innovative services for public safety and business.
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What are the benefits of DTV?
Digital television allows TV stations to offer a number of new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures and sound quality, DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is known as “multicasting.” VPT already multicasts its regular schedule, its HD (high definition) service, VPT Create and VPT World. For a schedule of these services, click here.
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Where can I find VPT's digital channels?
You will find VPT on these over-the-air channels, as well as on many cable systems:
Burlington (transmitting from Mt. Mansfield)
33.1 High Definition schedule
33.2 Regular schedule
33.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
33.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)
St. Johnsbury (transmitting from Burke Mt.)
20.1 High Definition schedule
20.2 Regular schedule
20.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
20.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)
Rutland (transmitting from Grandpa Knob)
28.1 High Definition schedule
28.2 Regular schedule
28.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
28.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)
Windsor (transmitting from Mt. Ascutney)
41.1 High Definition schedule
41.2 Regular schedule
41.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
41.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)
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What's airing on VPT's digital channels?
VPT already multicasts four digital channels: the regular schedule, VPT HD (high definition), VPT Create and VPT World. For a schedule of these services, click here.
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What equipment do I need?
If you currently receive free over-the-air TV on an analog TV set and you want to continue using your analog set, you will need to connect a digital converter box before Feb. 17, 2009. To help U.S. consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the U.S. government, will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to each household requesting them. You must request your coupons directly from the NTIA, and we encourage you to request them coupons now. (Tip: It’s usually simpler online than by phone.) Information about the coupon program is available by clicking here. Please note that coupons expire 90 days from date of issue..
Your current antenna may bring in digital signals, or you may need to upgrade to a better antenna. Connect your converter box as soon as you get it, so you'll know whether you'll need an upgrade. A "rooftop" antenna mounted on the roof or in an attic is generally better at pulling in signals. Or you may find a good indoor UHF antenna in a window, attic or garage does the trick. For advice on the best type of antenna to use at your location, you can enter your U.S. address at this website: http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
Antennaweb.org does not cover addresses in Canada, but if you contact VPT, we may be able to help with a recommendation.
You will also find consumer information on antennas by clicking here.
If you're going to buy a new digital TV, you may want to check the FCC website for shopping tips by clicking here. You can also find information in the March 2008 issue of Consumer Reports magazine or by clicking here.
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If I buy a new TV set, does it have to be HD?
No, all the new sets sold now have to be digital but not all digital sets are HD (high definition). There are digital sets that display a picture in “standard definition” format. These sets are less expensive than the HD sets.
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What is a DTV converter box?
A DTV converter box is an electronic device that you connect between your analog television set and over-the-air antenna and that converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to each U.S. household requesting them. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of one DTV converter box.
For more about how converter boxes work click here. For more about the coupons, click here.
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Where can I buy a converter box?
The government has certified large electronics retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Wal-Mart and many others to sell coupon-eligible boxes. Independent retailers and online sellers also carry boxes. On the government’s coupon website, U.S. residents can enter their address and find a list of retailers. There are also online and telephone vendors listed. We advise you to call ahead before going to a local store, just to be sure boxes are in stock.
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When will coupons be available?
They are available now through March 31, 2009 at http://www.dtv2009.gov or at 1-888-388-2009. The government will mail them to you. VPT encourages viewers to request their coupons now, as the supply is limited, and there is a backlog of about two months from the time you place your request to the time you receive your coupon in the mail. Once you purchase your converter box, connect it right away, so you can tell if you’re receiving digital channels successfully.
Coupons expire 90 days from date of issue.
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Can I use my converter box coupon toward a box that costs more?
Some converter boxes include features like DVD players, but these are not likely to be eligible for coupons. Only certain designated converter box models can be purchased with coupons. That information should be included with your coupons.
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If I watch TV by antenna, what are my options to get TV after the change to digital?
Purchase a digital converter box
A digital converter box is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older “analog” television set.Converter boxes cost between $40 and $70. To help consumers cover the cost, the federal government offers up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single converter box.
You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.
Click here to find out how to get your own converter box.
Purchase a new TV with a digital tuner
Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. 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.
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. You can also go to the manufacturer's website and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.
Subscribe to cable or satellite
These services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog or digital television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.
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How do I know if I already have a digital TV?
The word digital is used in many ways. A true digital TV has a built-in digital receiver. Look for labeling in your owner's manual or on the TV itself. If you bought your TV before the late ‘90s, it's probably not digital.
Digital TV sets are likely to have one of these labels: Integrated Digital Tuner, ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) Tuner, QAM, Digital Tuner Built In, Digital Receiver, Digital Tuner, DTV, HDTV.
Newer TV sets that can display digital signals but need a digital converter box will be labeled Digital Monitor, HDTV Monitor, Digital Ready, HDTV Ready.
If you can't tell from your owner's manual or the set itself, you can go to the manufacturer's website and check the capabilities of the set by model number. If that doesn't help, contact us.
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How can I help a family member or friend make the switch?
This change in television will be challenging for some viewers. If you know someone who receives TV by antenna, please review the information here. You can help someone with ordering coupons, purchasing a converter box and installing a converter box. If you have questions, please contact us or call 1-800-639-7811 for more information.
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Can I recycle my TV?
Your analog TV will still work for playing computer games and watching videos, even though it will not show digital programming without a converter box. If you want to dispose of an older TV, you will find recycling centers in Vermont accept TV sets. For more information about how to recycle your television and other electronics, visit http://mygreenelectronics.com.
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See more Frequently Asked Questions and find out more at:
http://www.dtvanswers.com/
http://www.dtv.gov/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/news-electronics-computers/pulling-the-plug-on-analog-tv-206/index.htm
http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=299530&pp=30&page=97
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To request coupons toward purchasing a converter box:
Visit http://www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.
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Other questions? Give us a call at 1-800-639-7811 or email us.
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