Learn More About the 2009 Digital Television (DTV) Transition

As you may be aware, on February 17, 2009, television stations will be switching from analog to digital broadcasting (DTV). This is occurring due to a federal government mandate. The DTV transition will result in clearer television picture, more program choices, and will free up the airwaves for public safety communications.

The following points will provide you the necessary information on how the transition may affect you.

• If you have purchased a new television after March 1, 2007 your television already has a built-in digital turner and will support digital broadcasting.
  
  
• If you have a digital television set your television is already equipped for the DTV transition.
  
  
• If you have an analog television that is connected to cable or satellite, those service providers will ensure that your television receives a viewable image after the DTV transition.
  
  
• If you have an analog television that receives signals through rabbit ears or an over-the-air antenna and you wish to continue using this television, you will need to attach a digital-to-analog converter box to your television in order to continue receiving over-the-air television broadcasts.

Digital-to analog converter boxes will be sold nationwide at retail stores and are expected to cost about $60. In order to assist households with the DTV transition Congress has established the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Households wishing to keep their analog televisions may request up to two $40 coupons that can be used to purchase up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes.

These coupons will expire 90 days after their issue date.

Please contact the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at www.dtv2009.gov or 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) to request these coupons. The first coupons will not be mailed out until the converter boxes are available in retail stores.

For more information about the DTV transition and how you can prepare for it, visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance during this transition to digital broadcasting.

   Sincerely,

   James T. Walsh
   Member of Congress