 What is the digital transition?
On June 12, 2009, digital TV broadcasts replaced analog TV broadcasts. This event was called the Digital Transition. Low power broadcast stations were not subject to the June 12 deadline and may continue to broadcast in analog.
Analog TVs will no longer be able to receive programming unless their owners do one of the following:
1. Subscribe to a satellite or cable TV service
2. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box
3. Purchase a new digital TV
DISH Network makes the digital transition easy by offering great satellite TV at the lowest all-digital price anywhere, and and the award-winning DTVPal Plus and DTVPal DVR converter boxes with analog pass-through.
What is the difference between an analog TV and a digital TV?
Digital TVs are equipped with a digital tuner which enables them to receive digital broadcasts without an external converter box. Analog TVs do not have a digital tuner and therefore need a satellite or cable TV subscription or digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive and display digital TV programming.
How do I know if my TV is analog or digital?
If your TV has a "digital tuner" built into it, it is configured to receive and display the new digital over-the-air TV signals that will be transmitted as part of the Digital Transition.
The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built into it is to consult your owner's manual. If that is not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer's website or in some instances, the back of the TV itself. You are trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled "digital input" or "ATSC."
Here are some general guidelines that may help:
If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably does not have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional analog set that cannot display digital TV signals without either subscribing to satellite or cable TV or purchasing a special converter box. If you bought a flat panel TV between 1998 and 2004, it is possible there is a built-in digital tuner inside, but that varies by model as only a limited percentage of flat panel TV sets included digital tuners before 2004.
If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold included digital tuners that let you receive the new digital over-the-air broadcasts starting in February 2009. It varies by model as even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts.
What are digital-to-analog converter boxes?
A digital-to-analog converter box is an electronic device that converts digital signals into analog signals so that digital broadcasts can be viewed on analog TVs—enabling your analog TV to be able to receive digital TV programming.
Approved converter boxes are eligible for $40 off with the government coupon program. Click here for details.
What is the government coupon program I am hearing about?
You may be eligible for up to two $40 coupons, provided by the government, to help pay for the digital-to-analog converter boxes. Visit www.dtv2009.gov for more information. Coupons cannot be combined towards a single purchase and expire 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply your $40 government coupon towards the purchase of approved converter boxes such as the DTVPal Plus by DISH Network.
What is the difference between TR-40, DTVPal and DTVPal Plus and DTVPal DVR?
Is the DTVPal DVR coupon-eligible?
No, the DTVPal DVR is not coupon-eligible. Coupon-eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes can not include enhanced features such as DVR capabilities, as mandated by the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration), the organization running the government coupon program. In light of this, DISH Network is offering an instant $50 discount on the DTVPal DVR.
Does installing a converter box mean I will no longer need my antenna?
No, an indoor or outdoor antenna is still needed to receive either analog or digital television signals from local broadcast stations.
If any analog TV in your house is using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears to receive programming, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box (such as the DTVPal from DISH Network) connected to your antenna.
Will I need to purchase a new antenna?
Many viewers live in poor signal areas - areas with little to no TV signal - which may require purchasing a new over-the-air antenna. The correct make/model of antenna varies by location, so visit www.antennaweb.org to figure out which antenna is best for your location
If your television currently receives good quality reception on analog channels (2 through 51) using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears, it should be able to receive digital television signals through a digital-to-analog converter box using the same antenna.
The DTVPal Plus converter box includes an enhanced tuner. Installed in conjunction with their existing antenna, many users have experienced even better reception and/or more channels with the DTVPal Plus. Does the digital transition mean I will get high definition?
Not necessarily. On June 12, 2009, full-power stations switched from analog broadcast signals to digital broadcast signals. Although all high definition channels are broadcast in digital, not all digital broadcasts are available in high definition.
To get high definition, first you will need either an HDTV or HD-ready TV. Second, you will need either the DTVPal DVR converter box – the only converter box on the market with HD capabilities – or you will need to subscribe to pay TV, such as DISH Network.
Receiving HD programming is dependent upon whether or not your local stations broadcast over-the-air HD. Contact your local station(s) to find out whether or not over-the-air HD programming is available in your area.
Will I continue to receive closed-captioning?
Yes, closed-captioning is available on every DTVPal converter box.
Can I use DTVPal and my VCR?
Yes, the DTVPal or TR-40 can be used with your VCR. You will simply connect your antenna to the converter box, the converter box to your VCR, and the VCR to your TV. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the user manual that came with your DTVPal or TR-40 converter box.
However, if you are still using a VCR, DISH Network offers a solution that no longer requires you to mess with VCR cassettes or a complex setup to record your favorite shows. The DTVPal DVR is a digital-to-analog converter box with digital video recorder (DVR) capabilities. Using an on-screen program guide, you can select and record up to 150 hours of your favorite shows.
What is meant by “Full Power” and “Low Power” stations?
Full Power television stations include national and local broadcast stations such as ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. By June 12, 2009, approximately 1,760 full power stations in the U.S. will have been required to switch from analog broadcast signals to digital broadcast signals, an event known as the Digital Transition
However, there are more than 7,300 additional broadcast stations that were not subject to the June 12 deadline and may continue to broadcast in analog. Those stations include:
1. Low Power TV stations (LPTV): Established by the FCC in 1982 to provide locally-oriented television service for small communities such as rural areas or individual communities within larger urban areas. LPTV stations are typically operated by organizations such as schools, churches, local governments, businesses and individuals.
2. Class A TV stations: Former low-power stations that have certain interference protection rights not available to regular LPTV stations
3. Translators: Stations that rebroadcast programs from full-power stations to remote or mountainous locations
If I live along the border of Mexico or Canada, will I still be able to receive Mexican or Canadian broadcasts?
U.S. consumers who live along the Mexican or Canadian borders are often able to watch over-the-air Mexican or Canadian broadcast stations using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears. Until Mexican and Canadian broadcast stations make the digital transition, consumers can continue to receive those programs in analog format.
In order to watch both analog and digital broadcasts, you will need to purchase a converter box with “analog pass-through” capability. DISH Network’s converter boxes offer analog pass-through, allowing you to easily switch between your low power stations from Mexico, Canada and the U.S., and all-digital high power stations from the U.S., with the push of a button.
Why DISH Network?
DISH Network is the leader in digital TV—and your digital transition expert. As one of America’s top satellite or cable TV providers, DISH Network features great programming packages at the lowest all-digital price in America, plus more:
- 100% all-digital picture and sound on every channel
- Highest-rated customer service*
- Industry-leading, award-winning technology
- No equipment to buy
- FREE standard professional installation (up to 4 rooms)
There has never been a better time to learn more about DISH Network. For the best movies and sports you can’t get on broadcast TV, call DISH Network today.
Web: www.dishnetwork.com
Phone: 1-888-825-2557
Certain customers and packages may not qualify for Digital Home Advantage. There are many options available to fit the customer’s needs/budget. Ask for details.
* According to the 2007 American Customers Satisfaction Index (ACSI) results for the U.S. largest Cable & Satellite TV providers: Charter Communications, Comcast Communications, Cox Communications, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. Tied with DIRECTV for the highest ACSI score in 2007.
 
How do I contact media relations at DISH Network?
For questions regarding media relations and partnering opportunities, please contact:
press@echostar.com
What are sub-channels? How do I enter a sub-channel number using my converter box remote?
Some broadcasters choose to send several channels in their broadcast range rather than just a single channel. These additional channels are referred to as sub-channels, and are identified by a dash and then a number (for example, channel 9-2 is a sub-channel of channel 9).
To access a sub-channel directly using the remote that came with your converter box, use the following guidelines:
- The converter box will interpret the first 3 digits entered from your remote as part of the primary channel number. For example:
- Pressing 009 or 09 or 9 will take you to channel 9
- To access a sub-channel directly, either four or five digits must be entered. The fourth and fifth digits indicate the desired sub-channel. For example:
- Pressing 0092 or 00902 will take you to channel 009-02
- Pressing 00920 will take you to sub channel 009-20
- If the channel number entered is not available, the converter box changes to the closest available channel. In the event that there are two channels the same distance from the selected channel, the converter box will select the higher of the two channels.
I have more questions regarding the transition
Please visit the official digital transition headquarters
Additionally, you can consult the following government sources:
NTIA: www.dtv2009.gov, 1-888-DTV-2009
FCC: www.dtv.gov
NAB: www.dtvanswers.com
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