Switching to Digital Television

On February 17, 2009, all full power TV stations will begin broadcasting exclusively in digital format. Analog TV sets that are not connected to a paid service, or do not have a built-in digital tuner, will no longer receive a signal. Analog TV sets typically rely upon "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna. If you are not sure what type of TV you have, please visit www.dtvtransition.org.

If you own an analog TV, you must decide before February 17, 2009 how you plan to receive television programs on your analog TV. There are several options:

1. Buy a converter box that will plug into your current TV.
2. Buy a TV with a digital tuner.
3. Connect the analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

For information in more than 60 languages on the switch to digital television and how to claim converter box coupons, please visit http://www.dtvanswers.com/dtv_languages.html

TV Converter Box Coupon Program
The federal government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to help pay the cost of purchasing converter boxes that will enable analog television sets to receive the digital signal, but the coupon program is first-come-first serve!

A certified converter box is expected to cost between $50 and $75 and is a one-time purchase. You can obtain a free coupon by applying online, by phone, by mail, or by fax. You may request one coupon now and one later, but no more than two coupons per household are allowed. Requests will be accepted from January 1st 2008 until March 31, 2009. For coupon requests:

(1) Online:
www.DTV2009.gov 

(2) Phone:
1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-20009) (Operator assistance available in languages other than English)
1-866-495-1161 (Spanish)
1-877-530-2634 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing Callers)

(3) By Mail:
PO Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208

(4) By Fax:
1-877-DTV-4ME2

Why Convert to Digital?
Transitioning to digital broadcasting will free up signal capacity (enable more information to be transferred) allowing important messages to be conveyed across the country thus promoting public safety. Furthermore, a change to digital broadcasting can allow TV stations to improve sound and picture quality and increase the number of available channels.

Additional Information 
For any additional information call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website: www.dtv.gov

To view a powerpoint presentation with comprehensive information on the Digital TV Transition and how you can prepare, click here.