2009 Digital Television Conversion

Converter Box Coupon

You are only affected if you use an analog TV that receives a signal with the help of "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna.

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100 percent digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Will the transition affect me?

You will need to take action before February 17, 2009, if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service – that is, you receive your television signal through an analog antenna such as a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears."  If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition and do not need to take any action.

If you use an analog television that receives its signal through an antenna, you must take one of the actions below before February 17, 2009, or your television will stop receiving signals.

If this transition affects me, what are my options?

• Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009.  Converter box coupons for $40 are available to help consumers offset the costs of purchasing a converter box.  More information about these coupons is available below.
• Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service
• Purchase a television with a digital tuner

What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.  Between now and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 converter box coupons per household that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.  Coupons will be mailed to requesters.  When you receive the coupon, it will contain a list of eligible converter boxes and participating retail stores where you can purchase those converter boxes.

Please note that coupons can only be used toward the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.  They cannot be used toward the purchase of a pay telvision service, or for a new television with a digital tuner.  Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed, and only one coupon can be used to purchase each coupon-eligible converter box.

How do I request a coupon?

Between now and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:

• Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov
• Call the coupon program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Hearing-impaired consumers can use our TTY service by calling: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY)
• Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
• Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns about the digital television transition or the converter box coupon program, please don't hesitate to contact my DC office at 202-225-5136 and ask for Tom Culligan.