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(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Before buying a new TV, consumers should know the facts about the federally mandated conversion to digital television and how it will affect them. The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department is helping consumers learn what to look for when purchasing a TV to make sure their set works after the switch to digital broadcasting, which is fast approaching.
After February 17, 2009, television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals and will only broadcast in digital format. This switch is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. Although, by law, stores are not allowed to add analog-only TV equipment to their inventory, they are allowed to sell it if it is a part of their existing inventory. Anyone who receives their TV signal over-the-air instead of through cable or satellite using an analog TV will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that will be available beginning in January 2008. The converter box, much like a cable box, will allow an analog TV to receive a picture, but it won't be able to show high-definition pictures or gain access to other digital services. To experience the full benefits of digital television, consumers will need a digital television set. Here are some tips for selecting a DTV.
- Compare DTV picture quality. DTV comes in several levels of picture quality. The most common are: High Definition Television (HDTV), Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) and Standard Definition Television (SDTV). HDTV is DTV at its finest. With HDTV, you can enjoy a true home theater experience. EDTV is a step up from basic television. SDTV is the basic display.
- Make sure you have all the DTV equipment you need. DTV equipment can be purchased as an integrated set or as separate components. "Integrated" digital televisions have built-in tuners and a monitor to display the programming. If you buy a DTV monitor (without an integrated tuner), you will need a stand-alone tuner, cable set-top box, or satellite set-top box to watch DTV.
- HDTV is not the same as DTV. HDTV requires special equipment, so make sure to ask about HDTV-capable equipment and talk to your cable or satellite provider to verify you have the proper set-top box to view HDTV.
- "Digital cable ready" (or "plug-and-play") televisions are also available. These can be used to receive digital cable TV (and often HD over cable) without a separate set-top box. A CableCARD is needed to watch certain cable programming. These televisions do not work directly with satellite. You still need a set-top box to view satellite programming.
- Compare screen types. You have a choice in DTV screens. Today, the primary options are: Cathode ray tube (CRT) screens,“ traditional color television screens updated for digital; Rear Projection TVs,“ rear projection TVs can create brilliant, wide angle pictures on ever-larger screens; LCD screens - are very thin and produce extremely clear pictures but are currently expensive and limited in size; Plasma screens - create a bright, clear picture up to enormous sizes while remaining very thin.
- Ask what connectors you need to make sure your new DTV set works with your other electronic equipment (DVD player, digital video recorder (DVR), camcorder, VCR, computer, video games, and other equipment). The electronic equipment you have now should work with your new DTV, but you may need new connectors. Make a list of what you have now and ask your retailer what you need to connect the components.
For more information on how to prepare for the transition to DTV, visit www.dtv.gov. Helpful tips and resources are also available on the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or via the Consumer Mediation Center at 305-375-3677.
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