Grande Communications - FAQs ; How-Tos

Frequently Asked Questions & How-Tos

FAQs

How-Tos

What is the Digital Transition (DTV)?

At midnight on June 12 2009, all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and will switch to broadcasting in digital.

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When with the Digital Transition (DTV) occur?

The DTV will occur at midnight on June 12, 2009.

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Why is the DTV happening?

Digital broadcasting is more efficient than analog broadcasting. Once DTV occurs, valuable broadcast airwaves become available for emergency communications, such as police, fire departments and rescue squads. Also, some of the airwaves will be auctioned off to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services.

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Will my television work after the Digital Transition (DTV)?

As long as your analog TVs are connected to a cable or satellite provider, they will continue to work after DTV. A newer TV that is equipped with a digital tuner will also continue to work. Without taking further action, analog TVs that receive broadcast television networks over the air with “rabbit ears” or an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these analog sets that are not connected to either cable or satellite will need to take action before February 17, 2009 in order to continue to receive full-power broadcast network programming.

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What options do owners of analog TVs have to continue to receive network broadcast programming?

There are three options to continue to receive network broadcast programming:

1. Sign up for cable or satellite service
2. Purchase a new digital TV
3. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box

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If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch

No. It is important to understand that the DTV transition is a transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. It is not a transition from analog broadcasting to High Definition broadcasting. A Standard Definition DTV or a digital-to-analog converter box connected to an analog TV is all that is required to continue watching over-the-air broadcast television.

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

Beginning March 1, 2007, all TVs imported or shipped in the U.S. had to contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only TVs from existing inventory but must display a Consumer Alert warning stating that the TV will need a converter box after February 17, 2009 in order to continue to receive broadcast signals with an antenna.

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How do I know if my TV has a digital tuner?

Many TVs sold in the last few years already include a digital tuner. To find out, check your owner’s manual or take the quiz at http://www.dtvtransition.org

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Will my VCR, DVD player and gaming console still work with a digital TV?

Yes. Digital televisions are “backward compatible”, meaning existing analog equipment will continue to work on digital TV sets. However, their picture will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog component.

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What is a digital-to-analog converter box?

A digital-to-analog converter box is a box that resides between the antenna or “rabbit ears” and an existing analog TV set. Both the antenna and the TV connect to the digital-to-analog converter box. This combination will keep an existing analog TV set working after February 17, 2009.

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Where do I purchase a digital-to-analog converter box?

Digital-to-analog converter boxes can be purchased at consumer electronics stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City.

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How much will digital-to-analog converter boxes cost?

Digital-to-analog converter boxes are expected to cost between $55 and $75.

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What is the Government doing to help consumers purchase digital-to-analog converter boxes?

Congress has established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, that can be used toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more information of the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009.

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How do I get my coupons?

Consumers can apply for up to 2 coupons per household by going online at www.dtv2009.gov, calling 1-888-388-2009 or mailing their application to P.O. Box 2000 Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be mailed to the requesters.

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What digital-to-analog converter boxes are coupon eligible?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is maintaining a list of eligible boxes at https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm.

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Can I hook up more than one TV and video recorder to a single digital-to-analog converter box?

No, you will need 1 digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device that only has an analog tuner. The digital-to-analog converter box basically replaces the analog tuner in one piece of equipment. So, if you want to use your analog TV and VCR at the same time, you will need 2 digital-to-analog converter boxes.

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Will digital-to-analog converter boxes also convert digital closed captioning?

Yes. FCC rules require that digital-to-analog converter boxes be able to convert over-the-air digital closed captioning for display on analog TV sets. See http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvcaptions.html

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Is the government going to help me buy a new TV?

No, the government program only subsidizes the cost of the digital-to-analog converter boxes.

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If I am a current Grande Basic or Expanded Cable customer, will I have to sign up for Digital Cable or HD programming to continue to view the broadcast network programming?

No, you don’t. Grande will convert the digital signals back to analog so that you will not have to upgrade to Digital Cable or HD. However, with all of the great shows on Digital Cable, plus commercial-free digital music, the Interactive Program Guide and Grande Interactive TV, now is a great time to upgrade to Digital Cable.

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As a Grande Communications cable customer, will my lineup change?

We do not expect that they will change as a result of DTV. However, we continually look for opportunities to add more programming and enhance our lineup.

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Will my Grande Communications DVR be impacted?

No, your DVR will continue to work without interruption.

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Will Grande Communications cable prices go up because of the DTV conversion?

There will be no price change directly related to the DTV conversion.

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

Since many full-power broadcast networks already broadcast digital signals, you can begin enjoying the benefits of DTV today as long as you have a DTV receiver.

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Will I receive High-Definition TV with a digital-to-analog converter box?

No, analog TVs are not capable of displaying high-definition resolution.

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Will I be able to use parental controls like the V-chip with digital TV the same way I know can with my analog TV?

Yes. The V-chip is a technology that enables parents to block television programming based on a program’s rating. FCC rules require that V-chips be built into digital televisions and other DTV reception devices.

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