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The digital transition is coming. Are you ready?
The old way of sending TV signals over the airwaves will be changing in the near future. The nation's over the air (OTA) local television stations are moving from the old technology known as "analog" broadcasting to a new technology known as "digital" or DTV. The U.S. government has passed a law which mandates that this change must occur, nationwide, on February 17, 2009. (Over the air broadcasters are those who offer programming from ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, WB, and independents.) But there's a problem, having to do with the incompatibility between this new way of broadcasting TV signals and many of the TV sets still in use. The bottom line is that after February 17, 2009, analog TV sets - those without digital tuners - will simply cease to work! Don't worry. If you're a Bresnan Customer, we'll be handling the digital transition for all televisions that are connected to our cable service! This website will provide some basic information and tips to help you prepare for the Digital Television Transition. Simply click on the links to the right for more information.
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Jump To:
• Who is Affected
• Where to Get More Info
• Questions & Answers
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If your TV set is hooked up to Bresnan Cable, you're all set for the Federally-Mandated Digital TV Transition!
With Bresnan, you will continue to get the same great services without any interruption for all sets connected to our cable services. If your TV sets are connected to Bresnan cable, you do not need to do anything else, no matter what kind of TV sets you have.
If not, then you will need to connect the set to an additional cable or satellite outlet or purchase a DTV converter. Any analog TV set that you have that is not connected to Bresnan cable or a satellite provider will not receive the DTV signal. Analog TV sets will "go dark" on February 17, 2009.
So, if you have an analog TV in your workshop, garage or in the spare bedroom that is not hooked up to Bresnan Cable, give us a call and we will get all your TV sets connected. Bresnan makes the Digital TV Transition easy and hassle free!
After that date, customers who do not have cable or satellite service, or a digital TV set, or a DTV converter, will no longer be able to get television service over the air using their existing antennas because their old analog TV sets simply will not work without the purchase of a digital tuner! Bresnan customers do not need to do anything in order to keep enjoying our services. They will continue to get the same services without any interruption. Of course, any analog TV sets that our customers have which are not connected to Bresnan also will not be able to receive the DTV signal Unless they connect the sets to an additional cable outlet or purchase a DTV converter, these sets will also "go dark" on February 17, 2009
| Where can I find more information? | top ^ |
General informational websites:
For information about the federal government's DTV converter coupon program:
| Why is this happening? | Q&A ^ |
The Federal government wants to free up the over the air analog transmission airwaves for use by public safety services like police, fire and emergency rescue. The government will also auction off parts of the spectrum for commercial use.
| What is a Digital TV or DTV converter? | Q&A ^ |
The Digital or DTV converter is NOT the same as the DCTs that Bresnan provides to customers with our Digital tier. It is a new device, designed to convert over the air digital signals for use with analog TV sets.
| Where can I get a DTV converter, and how much does it cost? | Q&A ^ |
Consumers will need to purchase these DTV converters in consumer electronics stores. They are expected to be available by early 2008. Keep in mind that Bresnan customers do not need to purchase such equipment for any sets connected to our services. This includes Standard or Limited Basic customers.
Current estimates suggest that the DTV converters may retail for a price between $50 to $70 each. The federal government is providing each household up to two $40 coupons to subsidize the cost of the transition. Please note that the coupons will be offered on a first come, first serve basis and consumers will have ninety days to use these coupons. You can apply for a coupon at https://www.dtv2009.gov.
| How can I tell the difference between an analog and Digital TV set? | Q&A ^ |
According to the new law, all television equipment sold after May 25, 2007 should contain a digital tuner, or should be clearly identified at the point of sale as not having that digital tuner. Consumers can look for labels or markings that contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner" or "Digital Tuner Built-In." Some may use the word "Receiver" instead of "Tuner." And some may use the words "DTV" or "ATSC" instead of "Digital." If a television set is labeled as "analog" or "NTSC," but is not labeled as having a digital tuner, then it only has an analog tuner.
Here are some general guidelines that may also help to identify whether a TV has a digital tuner and thus is DTV ready:
- If it was purchased before 1998, it probably doesn't have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV made before 1998 was an "analog" TV set that cannot receive digital TV signals without either the DTV converter or a cable connection.
- If the customer bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it is possible that there is a built in digital tuner inside, but chances are not great. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004. Customers should look for the Digital Tuner labels as noted above.
- If the customer purchased a new TV set since 2004, their chances of having a built in digital tuner rise dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold have featured digital tuners that will let consumers receive the new digital over the air broadcasts starting in February, 2009. It is important to note that some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal tuner needed to pick up digital broadcasts. Usually these sets are advertised as "Cable-Ready" or "HDTV Monitor." That means they can display HD and other digital signals as long as they have a source---such as Bresnan Digital Cable!
| Will I need some kind of special antenna to get DTV? | Q&A ^ |
No. If you were able to get over the air signals using an antenna before February 17, 2009, you should be able to use that same equipment to receive signals after the transition, but they will need a DTV tuner if their set is an analog set, or a Digital set without a built-in tuner.
| Are DTV and HDTV the same thing? | Q&A ^ |
No. HDTV (High Definition Television) delivers superior quality digital pictures and sound. To get HDTV, consumers must have an HDTV set as well as a source for their signals, either an antenna or cable or satellite. The best source for HDTV is Bresnan, with an Advanced Set Top box and our free HDTV services.
| If I have an HDTV set, can I receive the DTV over the air broadcasts? | Q&A ^ |
If their HDTV set has a built in digital tuner, the customer will be able to receive over the air digital signals. They may also need an antenna. They will only receive HDTV signals if the broadcasters in their area are broadcasting in HDTV.
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What is the Federally Mandated Digital TV transition? | Q&A ^ |
The Federal Government has mandated that, on February 17, 2009, television broadcasting will convert from analog to digital transmission. The nation's full power over the air (OTA) local television stations are moving from the old technology known as "analog" broadcasting to a new technology known as "digital" or DTV. (Full power over the air broadcasters are those who offer programming from ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, WB, and independents.) The U.S. government passed a law which mandates that this change must occur, nationwide, on February 17, 2009. Unfortunately there will be a compatibility problem between this new way of broadcasting TV signals and many of the TV sets still in use. The bottom line is that consumers who are still using analog TV sets on February 17th, 2009 - those without digital tuners - they won't be able to see their local full power TV channels!
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How does this affect Bresnan customers? | Q&A ^ |
Bresnan customers have no worries. As long as their TV sets are connected to Bresnan cable, the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition will be a breeze. Any TV set that is connected to Bresnan Cable will continue to work. No matter what kind of TV sets they have, Bresnan customers will continue to get their local stations. Consumers with TV sets that are not connected to Bresnan Cable will need to connect the sets to Bresnan or satellite or purchase a DTV converter.
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What about those spare TV sets Bresnan customers may have? What if they are not connected to Bresnan? | Q&A ^ |
Because of the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition, any analog TV set that customers have that are not connected to Bresnan will not receive the DTV signal after February 17, 2009. Our customers should call us and get those TV sets they may have in theirs workshop, garages or in spare bedrooms hooked up to Bresnan Cable!
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Why is this happening? | Q&A ^ |
The Federal government has mandated that all full-power, over the air TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting. They want to free up over the air analog transmission airwaves for use by public safety services like police, fire and emergency rescue. The government has also auctioned off parts of the spectrum for commercial use.
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So what should consumers do? | Q&A ^ |
With Bresnan cable, consumers are all set! No worries, no hassles. Bresnan will take care of it all. With Bresnan, they will continue to get their same great services without any interruption for all sets connected to our cable services -no matter what kind of TV sets they have, they will continue to get local stations. They do not need to do anything else. Bresnan makes the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition easy and worry free!
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What if they don't have Bresnan Cable? | Q&A ^ |
If they do not have Bresnan cable or satellite service on 2/17/09, Bresnan will be the simple solution for any concerns about the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition. Whether the TV set is analog or digital, as long as it is connected to Bresnan cable, it will work after the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition! Bresnan will take care of the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition for these consumers.
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Do customers need to subscribe to Digital Cable service because of the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition? | Q&A ^ |
No. As long as their TV sets are hooked up to Bresnan cable, they will continue to work just as they have, regardless of the level of service. However, remind customers that signing up for Digital Cable will allow them to enjoy all the benefits of digital TV, including choices and better quality picture and sound.
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I have heard about a DTV (digital TV) converter. What is a DTV converter? Is it the same as the converters that Bresnan offers to its customers with the Digital tier? Do I need a DTV converter? | Q&A ^ |
The good news is that Bresnan cable customers who have all their TV sets connected to Bresnan cable will not need DTV converters. The DTV converter is NOT the same as the converter that Bresnan provides to customers with the Digital tier. It is a new device, designed to convert over the air digital signals for use with analog TV sets. Any TV connected to Bresnan cable is all ready for the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition.
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Where do consumers get these DTV converters? | Q&A ^ |
Consumers will need to purchase these DTV converters in consumer electronics stores. Keep in mind that Bresnan cable customers do not need to purchase any equipment for any TV set connected to our cable services for their TV set to work after the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition. This includes all our video customers. Bresnan is the simple solution.
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How much do these DTV converters cost? | Q&A ^ |
Current DTV converters retail between $50 to $70 each. The federal government is providing each household up to two $40 coupons to subsidize the cost of the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition. Please note that the coupons will be offered on a first come, first served basis and consumers will have 90 days to use them. Please remember that Bresnan cable customers who have all your TV sets connected to Bresnan cable will not need a DTV converter - no matter what kind of TV sets they have.
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How and when can a consumer get these $40 coupons? | Q&A ^ |
The coupons are now available. Consumers can go to www.dtv.gov or call 1.888.DTV-2009 to apply for the coupons. Bresnan cable customers that have all their TV sets connected to Bresnan cable will not need DTV converters and do NOT need to apply for the $40 coupons. Bresnan is the Simple Solution for the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition.
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What about High-Definition TV? How is that affected by the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition? | Q&A ^ |
Consumers with HDTV sets are sure to want Bresnan Digital Cable with HDTV. They'll get lots of national HDTV channels in crystal-clear, high-definition resolution, and they'll also get all the local TV stations in HD available in their area, even after the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition.
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Consumers with digital TV sets will not need the DTV converters. How do consumers tell the difference between analog and Digital TV sets? | Q&A ^ |
Bresnan is the simple solution. With Bresnan there is no need for customers to worry or figure out the type of TV set they have. Whether the TV set is analog or digital, it will work when the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition occurs as long as it is connected to Bresnan Cable service. If a consumer does need to determine if their TV set has a digital tuner, below are some general guidelines:
- According to the new law, all television equipment sold after May 25, 2007 should contain a digital tuner, or should be clearly identified at the point of sale as not having that digital tuner. Consumers can look for labels or markings that contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner" or "Digital Tuner Built-In." Some may use the word "Receiver" instead of "Tuner." And some may use the words "DTV" or "ATSC" instead of "Digital." If a television set is labeled as "analog" or "NTSC," but is not labeled as having a digital tuner, then it only has an analog tuner.
- If the TV set was purchased before 1998, it probably doesn't have a digital tuner. Almost every TV made before 1998 was an "analog" TV set that cannot receive digital TV signals without either the DTV converter or a cable connection. If the consumer bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, there is only a slight possibility that there is a built-in digital tuner inside. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches measured diagonally or larger) included digital tuners before 2004. Consumers should look for the Digital Tuner labels. If the TV set was purchased after 2004, the chances of having a built-in digital tuner rise dramatically.
- Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold featured digital tuners which will let consumers receive the new digital over the air broadcasts starting in February, 2009.
Remember that Bresnan customers have no worries! Any TV set hooked up to Bresnan is all set for the Federally Mandated Digital TV Transition!
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