Willowbrook, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today advised area residents to plan ahead for the transition to digital television.  On February 17, 2009, stations across the country will stop broadcasting analog television signals, which could leave some in the dark.
 
           “We’re just one year away,” said Biggert.  “If you’re buying a TV, you’ll want to make sure its digital.  And if you or a neighbor has an older TV, you’ll want to be prepared with a converter box.”
 
           Currently, most television stations broadcast over-the-air programming in a digital and analog format.  After the transition, only digital broadcasting will be available.  As a result, analog TV sets that rely on antennas will require a special converter box.  Viewers with digital TVs and those who subscribe to a cable or satellite service should not be affected.
 
           The transition is intended to free-up scarce broadcast spectrum for use by emergency responders and public safety services.  It also will free bandwidth for new wireless services, improve picture and sound quality, and generate many more digital programming options for consumers. 
 
           “Digital means more options and a better picture, but we don’t want anyone to lose service,” said Biggert.  “So check your TV to see if you should apply for a free converter box coupon.  There’s no reason not to start taking advantage of digital programming today.”
 
           Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households that rely on over-the-air analog broadcast signals. The program provides households up to two $40 coupons toward the purchase of digital converters that can be hooked up to an analog television.  To sign up for coupons, TV owners can call 1-888-DTV-2009 or apply online at https://www.dtv2009.gov.  The coupon will arrive with a list of retailers that have converter boxes available for purchase.
 
           In general, TVs built before 1998 are analog.  Most built after 2004 are digital.  The best way to know if a TV has a built-in digital tuner is to check the owner’s manual.  If no manual is available, look on the set for the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” (High Definition television).  For more information on the DTV transition visit http://www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.

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