Get ready for the DTV Transition
Per a Federal Communications Commission mandate, effective June, 12, 2009, all full-power television stations will be required to broadcast their content in digital format. Why the change, you might ask? The answer is really quite simple — it all comes down to bandwidth. The term "bandwidth" refers to the amount of space available for transmitting information (like television programming) over the air. With the way that the current radio-wave-based analog broadcast system transmits this information, a large amount of the available bandwidth space is filled. In the past, the size of analog transmissions wasn't that much of a problem. However, now that we have a huge number of channels and high-volume high definition channels requiring an enormous amount of bandwidth, there just isn't enough room with analog. Enter digital. The digital format uses a binary signal that is much more compact and efficient than the analog format, and its implementation would ultimately free up a large portion of the bandwidth. The transition to digital (also known as the DTV Transition) is intended to do just that — free up bandwidth to make room for enhanced high definition content, among other things. (Note: "low power", Class A, and translator or booster stations may not be required to make the transition. Call your television provider to find out if they'll be making the transition.)
Does the Transition affect you?
You need only be concerned with the DTV Transition if: 1) you get your TV signal with an antenna from a full-power station, and 2) do not have a TV with a built-in digital (ATSC) tuner. (TV's less than two years old have built-in digital tuners, and cable services either include a DTV-ready cable box, or will provide content downgraded to analog for basic subscribers).
What do you do?
So if you get your TV programming over the air with an antenna from a full-power station and do not have a TV with a built-in ATSC digital tuner, in order to continue receiving TV programming after June 12, 2009, you will need a digital converter box . . .
Make that Transition seamless with the DTT900
Not only will the DTT900 digital converter box let you continue to receive TV programming through your antenna after the DTV Transition, but this A/V component also includes a variety of TV-experience-enhancing features. Enjoy on-screen program information (when available), view new and different programs on "sub-channels" available from many digital TV stations, and manage access to programs with V-Chip technology. An included universal remote gives you easy control over your programming and easy access to closed captioning. Finally, the DTT900 is ENERGY STAR qualified, letting you know that this component meets U.S Federal Government requirements for energy efficiency.
A second option
At the end of the first paragraph, we mentioned that "low power" television stations — including Class A stations, and translator or booster stations — are not required by the FCC mandate to make the switch to digital. If you are able to receive local programming from this type of station, and would like to continue to receive this content in addition to your digital programming, then the DTT901 is for you. In addition to converting digital signals to analog for your TV, the DTT901 features analog pass-through. Simply turn the unit off and you'll be receiving standard analog broadcasts without having to mess with switching any cables.
Ooh! Goodies!
Your new DTT900 has one objective in life — to make watching your favorite TV programming hassle free. In keeping with this raison d'être, the DTT900 includes a universal remote control (with a AAA battery), as well as an A/V cable and an RF cable for easy hook-up to your TV. Any questions? The included English/Spanish user manual and quick setup guide have the answers.
For further information
If you still have questions about the upcoming DTV Transition, you can talk to a Vann's product specialist by either calling the 800 number at the top of the page or by visiting your local Montana Vann's store. Also, you can read more by visiting vanns.com/articles, and opening the article entitled "The Digital (DTV) Transition" under Television Technologies.
Note
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