Today I received an email (below) from TiVo designed to reassure me that I wouldn’t be affected by the transition. (Which I already knew, of course.) It is nice to see companies helping to explain the transition to their users. There has been a lot of confusion out there.

The email:

Dear TiVo® customer, You may have heard about the government-mandated Digital Transition and wondered, “Does it impact me?” Great news! It doesn’t. Because you already subscribe to cable or satellite service—and are not receiving any of your television signals for your TiVo® DVR through analog antenna—you are NOT affected by the transition and will continue to enjoy the TiVo service uninterrupted. Just thought you’d like to know. Thanks for being a valued member of the TiVo family! — Your friends at TiVo Inc. © 2008 TiVo Inc. TiVo and the TiVo logo are registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide. 2160 Gold Street Alviso, CA 95002-2160. All rights reserved.

If you’re using an antenna with a Series2 you can use some models of converter box to allow you to continue using antenna after the cut-over.

Here’s TiVo’s email:

Our records show that you currently receive some or all of your television signals for your TiVo® DVR through good old-fashioned “rabbit ears” or rooftop antenna. That means you WILL be affected by the “Digital Transition” on February 17, 2009—the date television stations are federally mandated to switch from old-style analog to all-digital broadcast signals. To learn how you are affected and what you need to do, follow these simple instructions:

1. Visit tivo.com/digital2009
2. Enter your TSN# ########## in the requested field.
3. We’ll then fill you in on everything you need to know to continue enjoying the world’s best way to watch TV with TiVo!

Jeffery, who is using antenna, submitted his TSN and received this message:

You’re Impacted. Here’s your Solution… What you need to know…
Starting February 17, 2009, any shows* you receive through your antenna will no longer appear on your TV, leaving your TiVo® Series2 DVR nothing to record. To keep the TiVo service compatible with your current setup, you have two options:

• Once you receive the automatic TiVo Service Update (9.3.1), purchase and install a government-subsidized digital converter box. This setup will also require infrared wires (details in FAQs).
• Treat yourself to a gorgeous TiVo HD DVR.

For a limited-time, save $40 on a TiVo HD DVR! Expires September 01, 2008

When I put in the TSN for one of my S2 boxes, which is not using antenna, I got this message:

Relax, and continue enjoying your favorite shows!

Because you currently DO NOT receive analog signals using an antenna, you don’t need to life a finger! Your TiVo®HD DVR has digital tuners built-in so you do not need to buy a government-subsidized digital converter box or a digital-ready TV. Just enjoy your favorite shows and the TiVo experience like you always have.

Thanks for being a member of the TiVo family!

Which is really weird, because:
a) I entered the TSN of a Series2 – a Pioneer DVR-810H to be precise, and…
b) I don’t even own a TiVo HD. I do have a TiVo Series3, but not a TiVo HD.

I think they just goofed on the messaging and it should probably say something like since my S2 is not using antenna I don’t have to worry. The website has more info, including a list of compatible (and incompatible) converter boxes, and a FAQ.

It is nice to see TiVo reaching out to customers to help educate them. And while many expected TiVo to support the converter boxes, it is nice to see an official confirmation. There were some with a bent toward conspiracy who expected TiVo to use the transition as a way to force users onto the TiVo HD, this should lay such talk to rest. Though it is a good excuse to upgrade, especially with the $179.99 factory-renewed deal. I doubt that $40 discount applies to those units, that’d be too good to be true – but if anyone finds out otherwise, please report back!

So Series2 users who depend on antenna have two options – pick up one of the compatible converter boxes, or upgraded to the TiVo HD.

The complete release is below:

Consumer Awareness of Digital Television (DTV) Transition Reaches 79 Percent

Awareness has More than Doubled in the Past Year

Washington, D.C.—Consumer awareness of the federally-mandated transition to digital television (DTV) has grown substantially over the past year, reaching 79 percent according to a survey commissioned by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

The survey, which was conducted in January 2008, includes a national sample of television households including those that rely solely on over-the-air television signals. Seventy-nine percent of respondents reported that they have “seen, read or heard something about the February 17, 2009 transition to digital television.”

Awareness was even greater among exclusively over-the-air households, where 83 percent of respondents reported they are aware of the transition. Overall, consumer awareness has more than doubled since January 2007 when an NAB survey asking the same question found that only 38 percent of consumers were aware of the transition.

“This is a big step toward our goal of reaching every American with information about the DTV transition,” said David K. Rehr, president and CEO of NAB. “The first phase of our consumer education campaign has been highly successful, and our next phase will focus on helping consumers learn more about the steps they need to take to receive a digital signal before February 17, 2009.”

More than 34 million households that rely on over-the-air television signals will be affected by the transition to digital television, which will be completed on February 17, 2009 when all full-power television stations must turn off their analog signals and begin broadcasting exclusively in the digital format.

Broadcast networks and nearly 1,500 television stations nationwide are participating in the comprehensive consumer education campaign, which includes a rich variety of on-air, online and grassroots initiatives. “This survey demonstrates that broadcasters’ consumer education campaign is effective,” said Seth Geiger, president of Smith Geiger, the research firm that conducted the survey.

During the next phase of the consumer education campaign, broadcasters will focus on helping consumers learn more about the converter box coupon program and other options they have to upgrade to digital through on-air advertisements, a 30-minute educational television program about DTV, and several other multifaceted, multiplatform initiatives.

About DTVanswers.com

DTVAnswers.com is the official Web site of the National Association of Broadcasters’ digital television (DTV) transition campaign. Launched in January 2007, the DTV campaign’s mission is to ensure that no consumer is left unprepared, due to lack of information, for the February 17, 2009 federally-mandated transition from analog to digital broadcasting.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that advocates on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and television stations and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the Courts. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.

Remember, you only need these if you use an antenna to receive your TV signals and you do not have a TV or other tuner (like a high-def TiVo) that can already tune OTA digital TV signals. The converter boxes will allow older, analog-only TV’s to tune the digital signals from antenna. If you use only cable or satellite then you don’t need to worry about this at all. See DTV2009.gov for details, and NTIADTV.gov for a bit more technical info.

“I am proud to announce our nation has hit this digital milestone. With 50 percent of U.S. homes able to experience the reality of digital television, we have crossed a critical threshold,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “2008 will continue to demonstrate the growth and success of DTV, with nearly 32 million units forecasted to ship. Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 percent of total DTV shipments in the U.S. in 2008.”

Since, except for some lingering stock, all televisions sold in the US must have digital tuners at this point, meaning nearly 100% of TVs sold are DTVs, that implies 79% of TVs sold in 2008 would be HDTVs. Which is pretty impressive, and shows the rapid turn in the market toward HDTV. I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more on DTV and HDTV at CES just over a week from now.

The full press release is below:

Dec 28, 2007 12:59

More Than Half of U.S. Households Own a Digital Television

Milestone of 50% DTV Penetration Arrives as the 2008 International CES Showcases DTV Innovations

ARLINGTON, Va. –(Business Wire)– Dec. 28, 2007 More than 50 percent of U.S. households now own a digital television (DTV), according to new research released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). As the nation transitions to digital television, consumers are adding DTV to their homes at a record pace.

“I am proud to announce our nation has hit this digital milestone. With 50 percent of U.S. homes able to experience the reality of digital television, we have crossed a critical threshold,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “2008 will continue to demonstrate the growth and success of DTV, with nearly 32 million units forecasted to ship. Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 percent of total DTV shipments in the U.S. in 2008.”

According to new CEA sales projections, manufacturers will post 11 percent revenue growth, to over $25 billion, from sales of digital televisions in 2007. CEA also forecasts 13 percent revenue and 17 percent unit sales growth for digital television in 2008.

This strong sales growth of DTV is reflected on the show floor and in conference sessions at the 2008 International CES(R), the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, running January 7 – 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. DTV and related products are prevalent throughout the record-setting 1.8 million net square feet of show floor space. Exhibitors are showcasing the world’s largest flat panel displays, next generation DTV products, technologies to enable consumers to view HDTV on the go and a host of other new products and technologies. In addition to the 2,700 exhibits on the show floor, DTV will be a hot topic at multiple events and conference sessions.

On Saturday, January 5 at 2:00 p.m. in The Venetian, Bellini 2105, Steve Koenig, CEA Industry Analyst and Shawn DuBravac, CEA Economist will present a complete analysis of the state of the industry. This presentation featuring CEA’s latest market research will include key trends and forecasts for various DTV and high definition product categories.

The Conversion to Digital TV: Government Coupon Program and Retailer Participation session, Monday, January 7 at 12:00 p.m. in the LVCC North Hall, Room N254, will focus on the details around the U.S. government’s $40 converter box coupon program. Kyle Rogg, senior vice president, business development, CLC Services will present the requirements and the process for retailer participation in the program and ensure retailers understand their important role in this transition.

The Goodbye Analog, Hello DTV conference session, Monday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the LVCC North Hall, Room N262, will bring together top leaders in the industry who will discuss the educational efforts underway to ensure consumers receive the necessary information to successfully transition to digital television. Moderated by Jason Oxman, Consumer Electronics Association, panelists include Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at NTIA Meredith Baker; Debra Berlyn, AARP; Jonathan Collegio, National Association of Broadcasters; Catherine Seidel, FCC; Rob Stoddard, National Cable and Telecommunication Association; and Tony Wilhelm, NTIA.

In a one-on-one conversation on Tuesday, January 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the LVCC North Hall, Room 255-257, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and CEA’s Gary Shapiro will discuss their thoughts on the digital television transition, cable compatibility, spectrum allocation and other issues critical to the consumer electronics industry.

For more information about the 2008 International CES, please visit http://www.CESweb.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at http://www.CE.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS -0-

-- CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES
   January 5, 2008, Las Vegas, NV

-- 2008 International CES
   January 7-10, 2008, Las Vegas, NV

-- Digital Music Forum East
   February 26-27, 2008, New York, NY

-- EHX Spring 2008
   March 11-15, 2008, Orlando, FL

-- 2008 PARA Conference
   March 12-14, 2008, Orlando, FL

-- Digital Patriots Dinner
   April 2, 2008, Washington, DC

-- CEA Washington Forum
   April 2-4, 2008, Washington, DC

-- International CES/Hometech
   May 25-27, 2008, Dubai, UAE

-- Connections(TM): The Digital Living Conference and Showcase
   June 24-26, 2008, Santa Clara, CA

-- SINOCES 2008
   July 10-13, 2008, Qingdao, China

-- CEA Industry Forum
   October 19-22, 2008, Las Vegas, NV

-- Digital Hollywood
   October 27-30, 2008, Hollywood, CA

-- EHX Fall 2008
   November 4-7, 2008, Long Beach, CA

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Jason Oxman, 703-907-7664
joxman@ce.org
http://www.CE.org
or
Megan Pollock, 703-907-7668
mpollock@ce.org