My guide is here to help you understand the digital transition and find out how you can take advantage of the digital signals over the air right now. You can get HDTV programming without cable or satellite if you have stations in your area with digital transmitters right now.  You can see these stations TODAY!

Read this entire Guide and let me know if this has helped you!

First off if you get an digital box you need an antenna attached to it to receive a TV signal!

1)One June 12th , 2009 all "high power" analog TV stations went off the air, including VHF and UHF TV signals. But the low power stations will still be broadcasting for a time longer.

Digital broadcasting,  mandated by the FCC a few years ago, is the television signal of the future. Remember, these high power stations went off air June 12, 2009.  They  physically turned off their transmitters.

2) There are two ways to receive the new, over the air, signals.

#1  Buy either the digital only or the digital/analog convertor box.  Connect it to your old TV,  like a cable TV box, and then you'll be able to get these new TV stations. Once you hook up an antenna and scan for channels. They are on the air right now! Remember there are two types of convertor boxes, one with digital only channels, and the other box can receive both digital and analog. So your favorite low power stations, that will still be on the air after the change, can be viewed on the combo convertor box. 

#2  Buy a new digital ready television.

If you have satellite or cable you will not see any change.

If you don't have cable or satellite, you'll need a new dtv/hdtv antenna, to connect to your convertor box or digital TV. There are many kinds available, by a multitude of manufacturers.

3) Buy the antenna that will fit your needs.

I found out personally that your "hookup" antenna is very important. The interior antenna can be very effective for the higher power digital stations in your area, but they are not that great for the lower power and "bad signal" area that you could be in.  I've experimented with interiors and now moving onto the exterior versions.

Ok: Even the exterior antennas need good placement. So before you install one find the best place for digital reception.

4) I advise that if you are buying a brand new digital television, hook up your outdoor or indoor antenna and do a channel scan, BEFORE you hook up your cable or satellite. Then you can see what is available "over the air" without your pay services. You can always re-scan after you hook up your service. Then you will know what is on the air. I have found that for me personally that the channels that are available now without cable or satellite, satisfy my television needs.

This is what I have over the air in Bakersfield, California digital wise:

10-1 ABC     (HDTV in certain network shows, most prime time, and sports)

25-1 NBC    (HDTV in certain network shows, most prime time, and sports)

25-2 CW      Digital only, no HD signal.

25-3 Telemundo      HD signal

18-1 PBS    HD signal.

18-2 PBS    Digital

18-3 PBS     SPANISH Digital only, no HD signal.

33-1 CBS     (HDTV in certain network shows, most prime time, and sports)

45-1 MY      network Digital only, no HD signal.

58-2 FOX    Digital only, no HD signal.

5) REPEAT THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF CONVERTOR BOXES: If you buy the digital box though the TV convertor box program they have a list of stores and brand names that the $40 coupon is eligible for. One type of "digital only" convertor boxes will not get the low power stations(UHF/VHF) that will remain on the air for about a year or two. DON'T BUY THE BOX THAT WILL NOT CARRY YOUR FAVORITE LOW POWER STATION! Remember the low powers are not going off the air yet. Choose the box that fits your needs.

BOX ONE:  DIGITAL ONLY

BOX TWO: DIGITAL AND ANALOG

6) Digital signals are really picky. If your antenna isn't placed right this is what happens:

a) Signal digitizes.

b) Lose signal all togther. (black screen) 

c) Picture freezes.

d) Audio reverbe with picture freeze and digitizes.

e) Audio drop out.

I have found that weather causes this too.  Mostly wind in the afternoon and evening hours.

When cars drive by my house the above events happen. (with interior antenna only)

Plus, if someone walks by the tv then  a - d,  happen. (with interior antenna only)

As I find out more details I will add them here to my guide.

Plus feel free to contact me in regards to your experience with digital tv. Your input on this guide and trials with this transition will be appreciated.

Good Luck and welcome to digital broadcasting!