Frequently Asked Questions

What is DTV?

For the past 50 years, US television stations (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX & CW) have broadcast their signal in an analog format. Analog signals vary continuously, creating fluctuations in color and brightness. Digital Television (DTV) is an advanced broadcasting technology that enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. Currently, all US television stations broadcast both ANALOG and DIGITAL signals. After February 17, 2009 TV stations will broadcast in digital only.

How will the digital TV (DTV) transition affect me as a Frankfort Plant Board cable customer?

If you are a Frankfort Plant Board cable customer you will not be affected by the DTV transition. FPB will be handling all the digital to analog conversion and then sending the converted signal across our cable system so every customer will be able to utilize their existing television.

Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009 to watch DTV?

No, digital television is available now. Virtually all of the Lexington and Louisville broadcast stations are now transmitting both analog and digital signals. FPB cable customers are already experiencing the analog to digital conversion that the rest of the country will experience in 2009. For quite some time, FPB has received programming from the CW network in digital form. FPB has taken this digital signal, converted it into an analog signal, and sent it out on our cable system on channel 13. Every FPB cable subscriber, who owns either an analog TV or a digital TV, has received the CW network. This is the exact same seamless process that will take place for the Lexington and Louisville stations after February 17, 2009.

If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?

No. FPB customers will be able to use their current analog television to receive cable programming. Should the customer wish to receive the FPB digital programming tier, HD tier or utilize a DVR, they will be required to use an FPB set-top box for that level of service.

How can I be sure that I am buying a digital TV (DTV)?

By law, beginning March 1, 2007, all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory, but must prominently display on or near the analog-only device a Consumer Alert label advising them that a converter box will be required after February 17, 2009.

What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and gaming console? Will I be able to use them with a digital television set?

Yes. Digital television sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets. However, their video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality when DTVs are used with existing analog equipment. Check with your retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.

FPB offers a digital cable package. Is this the same as HDTV?

No. “Digital cable” and high definition programming on cable are not the same. HDTV is the highest quality of DTV, but is only one of several formats. If you want to watch HDTV programming on cable, you may need to subscribe to FPB’s HDTV package ($4 per month) and view the programming on an HDTV set. You would also need FPB’s digital service ($12 per month) and a set-top box to receive HDTV programming.

What is the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box and do I need one?

FPB Cable subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to cable service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting. Congress mandated the last day for network television stations (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX & CW) to broadcast in analog to be February 17, 2009. At that time, over-the-air TV broadcasts will only be in digital form. If you have one or more televisions that receive free over-the-air television programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), the type of TV you own is very important. A digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner, sometimes called HD ready) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog television, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set.

What is this Converter Box Coupon Program I've heard about?

To help consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. You will be able to request the coupons beginning in January of 2008. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronic retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $50 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA’s web site at www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

Will the February 17, 2009 date for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting be pushed back?

Federal law mandates that February 17, 2009 is the last day for full-power analog television broadcasting. Government agencies, industry, public interest groups, and other interested organizations are working hard to make sure that the deadline is met and that everyone is prepared for the end of full-power analog television broadcasting.