Congress has mandated that after February 17, 2009, television stations across the country must transmit only in digital signals, and may no longer transmit analog signals. After that date, consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") to receive broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV.
The Commission's DTV-related enforcement efforts have focused on protecting consumers by enforcing our rules as this transition takes place. To date, the Commission has taken enforcement action in several areas: (1) the prohibition on the importation and shipment of television receivers without integrated digital tuners; (2) the labeling requirement for television receivers incapable of receiving over-the-air digital signals without a converter box; (3) the requirement that digital television receivers possess full V-Chip functionality, including not only the ability to block offensive programming, but also the ability to adjust to a future rating system; and (4) the DTV consumer education requirements for broadcasters, telecom carriers, cable operators, manufacturers, and others.