The FCC and the cable companies have left most of their publications open to interpretation by using word like "Should" & "Probably"

As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a digital tuner. In addition, effective May 25, 2007, the Commission required sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date. Retailers must inform consumers by prominently displaying the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner: "This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting".

As the DTV Transition draws closer the confusion is increasing. Even as geeks we are finding ourselves a bit bewildered. The questions only get more numerous. Are Cable Companies going to continue to broadcast analog signals. They can seeing "Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multi casting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers". It would be no problem for cable companies to continue analog signals since it wouldn't interfere with any of the reasons for The DTV Conversion. But will Cable Companies still carry analog signals so you don't need a digital set-top boxes with a analog TV. This is what The FCC states about this "If you receive cable or satellite television service, contact your cable or satellite provider about any additional components, such as a digital set-top box, that you may need to watch digital broadcast programming".

According to The NCTA ( National Cable & Telecommunications Association) "Thanks to a compromise adopted by the FCC in September 2007, cable companies will carry the main digital signal of “must carry” commercial  full power broadcast TV stations and will duplicate that signal into analog format so that all channels can be viewed on any older analog TV sets connected to cable.

Cable’s carriage of the signals in both digital and analog formats will ensure that all customers will see commercial  full power broadcast TV signals after the transition.  This approach will make the digital transition effortless for all cable customers and provide valuable assistance to commercial TV stations trying to reach all of the homes in their region)

If you have Cable your DTV transition should be smooth. If you want a digital picture you still need a built-in digital tuner in your TV, but your older analog sets will still work. The quality of analog signals still remains to be seen. As not all broadcasters have switched over.

Now if you receive only free over-the-air television programming, the type of TV you own, either a digital TV or an analog TV, is very important. Consumers who receive only free over-the-air television may view digital programming through a TV set with a built-in digital tuner (integrated DTV) or a digital-ready monitor with a separate digital tuner set-top box. (Both of these digital television types are referred to as a DTV). The only additional equipment required to view over-the-air digital programming with a DTV is a regular antenna, either on your roof or a smaller version on your TV such as “rabbit ears.”

After your full power stations transition to only digital, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing a digital-to-analog set-top converter box. All U.S. households are able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, LINK to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service.

The DTV conversion has been delayed till June 10, 2009 due to the fact that so many people have been on a waiting list for the converter box coupons. Most Television broadcasters have the digital equipment in place and ready for use. Some stations have already turned on the digital signal and continue the analog signal too. Others have stopped their analog broadcast which has left some without TV. Under the extension the TV stations have the choice whether to change now or before June 10. The sooner consumers have the proper equipment in place the better.

If your local TV stations do not plan continuing a analog signal it will be up to viewers to have the right equipment in place to receive the Digital Television Signal. This would include even a digital ready television or a DTV converter box.

The US Government has run out of money for converter box coupons. It is estimated that over a million people have applied for the coupons but will not receive them until the Government can find the money. We have heard estimates of up to 3 million people will be out of luck until this issue is resolved.

New President Barrack Obama is said to be for a postponement as current President Bush is against any delay. Whatever the case as far a politics go this issue can only be solved by the passing of a law allowing a changed for the conversion deadline.

Most TV Stations around the US have done their testing and have even started broadcasting the DTV Signals. Any delay could cost local and cable stations money by having to retain the personal longer they hired to handle the conversion and having to broadcast two signals for a indefinite amount of time. Why indefinite? We all know how slow our congress works.

The US Government is making the change to digital TV (DTV) for 2 reasons. The first is to free up more bandwidth which they can sell to the highest bidder and second is to improve or update the outdated system.

With 36 days left Congress had better get something done quick

The bill still needs to be signed by President Bush. This bill should alleviate concerns from citizens worried about receiving emergancy announcements from local broadcasters about weather conditions or any other warning from The Emergency Broadcast System and Public Safety Information

The bill will require the Federal Communications Commission to provide for a short-term extension of the analog television broadcasting authority so that essential public safety announcements and digital television transition information may be provided for a short time during the transition to digital television broadcasting

With less than 100 days until the nationwide change over to Digital Television on February 17, 2009 municipalities are pressuring local TV Stations to start testing their DTV Signals.

If you live in Colorado the test of DTV will happen twice. The 1st test will be between 11AM and 1PM Mountain Time and again between 5PM and 11PM, MT. If you have any difficulties viewing you local television station you may have a issue. If you have Cable TV or HD Satellite television you should be OK. If you do have a issue viewing normally contact your service provider ASAP.

Most newer televisions have built in Digital Converters, but some older models do not and you will need a converter box by February 17, 2009.

According to local and national reports the event was attended by politicians to cable companies all with there fingers crossed we would imagine. The Mayor had a over sized light switch and town offices had various TVs set up with the different signals going to them.

History was made with the flip of the over sized switch and analog TV was gone 6 months before the rest of the country. The change only affects TV owners who are not connected to cable or satellite TV. The FCC courted the town of Wilmington since May to help with the change. The FCC recently said more than 36,000 local households had requested 67,000 coupons, and redeemed 25,000 of them. With the success in Wilmington as a model the FCC, local communities should feel reassured the changes in there towns should go smoothly.

Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). More information can be found at DTV 2009

If you have Cable TV or Satellite TV you have nothing to worry about either. You are probably already receiving The DTV Signal now. Call you DTV Service Provider and make sure.