E-Waste: Digital Television (DTV) Transition Information



In a few weeks, on June 12, 2009, broadcast television as it is currently known will change for Americans. Originally, all full-powered broadcast transmissions were required to go digital on February 17, 2009. However, Congress has recently passed an extension for the deadline until June 14, 2009. However, many television stations have announced that they still plan on switching their broadcasts to digital signals on February 17, 2009. In fact, several stations have switched to broadcasting in digital signals only already! This switch to digital television broadcasts means that local network affiliates (such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, etc.) will stop broadcasting regular (analog) television signals. While information is being distributed to the public on this transition, MDEQ wants to encourage the public to continue using televisions that have useful life and to encourage recycling of those televisions that must be discarded. Because televisions contain large amounts of lead and other heavy metals, MDEQ is promoting use or recycling over landfill disposal. The following information should help guide the public in making decisions related to continued use or disposal of televisions.

What does the new digital broadcast requirment mean to me?

  1. If you are currently watching television programming through the use of an antenna, then you may need to purchase a digital converter bo to continue receiving broadcasts. If your television is more than about 2 years old, then chances are it will need a converter box. However, check either your owner's manual or your television manufacturer's web to verify the your TV needs a converter box. You will need a converter box for each television receiving signals through an antenna.

  2. If you are currently watching all television progromming through either a cable or satellite provider, then no new equipment needs to be purchased. You may still wish to purchase a converter box, as a backup, in case the cable or satellite service is interrupted for an extended amount of time.

Do I need to purchase a new TV?

No. At most, you should only need to purchase a digital converter box. While some may use the digital TV transition to encourage consumers to purchase new televisions, especially high definition televisions (HDTV), the digital TV change that will occur on February 17, 2009 is not a switch to HDTV. While DTV may be clearer than regular analog television, the picture is still a standard definition televison (SDTV) resolution; therefore, purchasing an HDTV may not result in better picture quality unless you also upgrade your cable and satellite service — usually requiring replacement of your current cable or satellite box.

How much will a digital converter box cost?

Most digital converter boxes cost $50-80. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce is offering each household up to two $40 coupons for the purchase of digital converter boxes. To apply for the coupons, you will need to go to http://www.dtv2009.gov and fill out a very short form to have the coupons mailed to you. The coupons are only good for 90 days after they are printed.

Do I need to replace my existing antenna(s)?

Not necessarily. If you are currently able to receive standard analog broadcasts on channels 2-51, then you will most likely be able to receive both digital TV (DTV) and high definition TV (HDTV) signals without purchasing a new antenna. During the transition period, you may not be able to receive a DTV signal if the station(s) that you are watching are not broadcasting at full power. If you experience problems with receiving a signal, first check to make sure that the signal is going through a digital converter box before going to the television. Then, check with the individual station(s) to make sure a full-powered signal is being broadcast. If the station(s) is broadcasting a full-powered digital signal, you may also wish to check to make sure that there are no other components adjusting the signal strength such as filters, amplifiers, and attenuators before replacing the antenna. More information on adjusting your antenna for DTV reception may be found on AntennaWeb.

If I choose to purchase a new TV, what do I do with the old one?

First, MDEQ encourages you to consider continued household use of the old television for games or secondary use in another room of your residence. If continued use is not needed, you may be able to recycle your old TV with the retailer that sold you the new one. So, when purchasing a new television, ask the retailer about recycling options. For example, some retailers will recycle your old television free of charge if they deliver your new television. In addition, some local communities have established electronics recycling programs that you may use as well. These collection programs could be in the form of an annual collection day event or an ongoing local drop-off location. Contact your local government to determine if they are operating such such a program. As a last resort, residents may dispose of the television through their garbage collection service, if offered. However, MDEQ encourages the public to consider other management options where possible since televisions contain a large amount of lead that may leach into groundwater sources.

MDEQ maintains lists of possible recycling programs for televisions and electronics. These list are split into the following categories:
  1. Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
  2. Retailer Take-Back Programs
  3. Local E-Waste Collection Sites
  4. Electronics Recyclers (E-Cyclers) — more applicable for large quantities

Additional Resources

There are many websites with information on the DTV transition which may answer any additional questions that you have. MDEQ has listed a few of these sites below for your reference. Each of these has more extensive information that may answer questions questions not addressed above. For more information on waste reduction, recycling, or disposal of television sets, contact Mr. Reese Yontz with MDEQ at 601-961-5035.
  • dtv.gov - The official Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website for DTV transition information.
  • dtv2009.gov - The U.S. Department of Commerce website for obtaining coupons for digital converter boxes.
  • DTV Answers - Website sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters.
  • AntennaWeb - Website sponsored by both the National Association of Broadcasters and the Consumer Electronics Association for information on using antennas to receive DTV and HDTV signals.
  • If you wish to recieve HDTV signals via an antenna, information may be found at by reading this article on Sound and Vision Magazine's website.