1.
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture and more channels and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
2.
Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service need to take action now. Most consumers who purchase a converter box today can connect it to their existing television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television immediately.
3.
Consumers have a variety of options. If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick quiz to help you figure out what to do at
www.DTVTransition.org. Options to explore include:
- 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, or
- Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
- Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
4.
A TV converter box is a new product that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and usually costs between $40 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program. For a list of TV converter boxes that can be purchased with $40 government coupons, please click
here. Your coupons will also come with a list of nearby retailers—as well as online and telephone retailers—that you should keep and use to find a converter box.
5.
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
6.
Consumers can apply now for up to two $40 coupons per household by
applying online, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), or by mailing their application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be mailed to eligible households and are good for 90 days from the date they are mailed. Since most stations are already transmitting digital broadcasts, consumers with older model televisions using an antenna to receive their free channels can connect the converter box and begin to enjoy the benefits of digital TV now.
7.
When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby participating retailers as well as online and telephone retailers. You can expect to buy TV converter boxes and use your coupons at retail stores where you would normally buy consumer electronics products. You can also click
here to enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
8.
Converter boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front, depending on your TV. You will still need your antenna, which works with the TV converter box. Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should ask your retailer or call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and installation video are available at
www.DigitalTips.org (under the DTV/Video tab).
9.
Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience. Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others are being auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.
10.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress.
11.
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. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will not need a converter box from this Program.
12.
What you need to know is whether your TV set has something called a “digital tuner” already built in. If it does, your TV set will receive digital signals. The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If that’s not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close look at your TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).
Here are some general guidelines that may help:
If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably doesn’t have a digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional “analog” set. If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-in digital tuner inside. But chances aren’t great. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.
If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of the TV sets sold at popular electronics stores feature digital tuners. But it’s not a sure thing. Even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts. Usually these sets have been advertised as “HD-ready” or “HDTV monitor” sets. That means they can display digital and high-definition signals, but they need help getting those signals in the first place. You’ll still need a special converter or a cable TV connection.
13.
TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not require a TV converter box from this program. Cable and satellite subscribers should check with their providers to see whether there are or will be any cable- or satellite-specific changes to their pay service.
14.
Translator and low-power television stations are not required to go all-digital after February 17, 2009. Viewers of these broadcast stations should contact their station for details. As these stations go digital, consumers will need to take action to continue to receive their free channels with an antenna. For a list of low-power stations in your area, or more information on low-power television, visit
www.LPTVanswers.com.
1.
TV converter boxes usually cost between $40 and $70. Each U.S. household may request up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of converter boxes. After applying the coupon, participating retailers will charge consumers the remaining balance.
2.
TV converter boxes are available now at retailers where you would normally buy consumer electronics products. Before shopping for your converter box, you might want to call ahead to make sure retailers have converter boxes available.
3.
TV converter box models must meet technical and performance standards determined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in order to qualify for the Coupon Program. A list of eligible make and model numbers for purchase with the coupon can be found by clicking
here.
4.
See a complete list of eligible TV converter boxes
here. TV converter box features may vary depending on the brand; however all models will allow your analog TV to continue to operate after February 17, 2009. The best way to get information on individual converter boxes is to visit the manufacturer’s website—or ask a customer service specialist at a store that sells them. Comparisons of some converter box models are available online, including at
www.ConsumerReports.org (search for “DTV converter box ratings”) and
www.wikipedia.com (search for “Comparison of CECB units”).
5.
No, you should be able to install the converter box yourself using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline or ask your retailer. The NTIA program does not provide technical support.
6.
Converter boxes are about the size of a paperback book. Most will fit on top of a small to medium TV set.
7.
No. Converter boxes from this program work only with over-the-air broadcast television signals, not cable or satellite service.
8.
Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to provide Closed Captioning for display on your television.
9.
No.
10.
Generally not. If a battery-powered TV is part of your emergency preparedness plan, one solution is to purchase a battery-powered digital TV. If that is a problem, make sure you have a battery-powered radio. Radio stations also provide emergency information. In addition, a number of TV stations simulcast their broadcasts on local radio stations. Finally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends the purchase of a NOAA Weather Radio, available at many electronic and department stores. Broadcasting 24/7,
the NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous weather information, and alerts listeners immediately to life threatening local severe storm warnings, along with the latest hurricane advisories from the National Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Local Statements from the National Weather Service. For more information, see:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/radio.php.
11.
The analog equipment you currently use will continue to work with (output to) your analog TV set just as before, but they will not be able to receive over-the-air programming without the TV converter box. Attach the converter to your VCR, TiVo, DVD-R, etc. instead of hooking it directly to your TV.
12.
Consumers can begin enjoying the benefits of digital television today. Because most full-power stations are currently broadcasting both in digital and analog, viewers can plug in their converter boxes and generally receive a clearer picture and more channels, where they are available.
13.
No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying High-Definition resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a TV converter box. If you want to view High-Definition TV, then you will need one of the newer sets rated for “High-Definition” resolution.
14.
No. Cable and other pay TV set-top boxes are not part of this Program. Coupons from this Program can only be used towards the purchase of TV converter boxes that work with TV sets receiving broadcast programming over the air via an antenna.
15.
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a test market to see how the transition to digital television works in a particular television coverage area in advance of February 17, 2009. Commercial broadcasters in this market are turning off their analog signals at noon on September 8, 2008. Viewers of over-the-air television in this market need to act now to ensure they do not lose television service on September 8, 2008.
16.
These brief tests allow TV viewers the opportunity to “diagnose” whether they need to take action to prevent their TVs from losing programming after February 17, 2009. For example, a local broadcast station might “pull the plug” on its analog transmission for a short interval to allow viewers to tune their TV sets into this channel to see whether they can receive the broadcast. If their TV sets do not pick up the program, then consumers would need to take the action necessary to ensure they can receive a signal before the transition date.
1.
You can apply for a coupon now through March 31, 2009, or while supplies last.
2.
Through March 31, 2009, or while supplies last, you can request a coupon in one of four ways:
- Apply online
- Call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
- Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Download a Coupon Application here.
- Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
- Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
The contact center is accessible for hearing-impaired persons through a TTY service. The contact center and website can help answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, and checking the status of your coupon request.
3.
NTIA is working with its partners to make applications available in the places where it makes the most sense for each community. The easiest way to apply is to
apply online. If you don’t have a computer, your local library probably has computer terminals for public use, or you can call 1-888-388-2009.
4.
Some retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores. Retailers, however, cannot provide the coupons; consumers must request them from the Government. The decision to provide applications is up to each retailer. The easiest way to apply is to
apply online, or you can call 1-888-388-2009.
5.
The date you receive your coupon(s) will depend on when you submitted your application. Click on this link to check the status of your request.
www.DTV2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx. If you want to check the status of your specific application to see whether your coupon(s) has been mailed, you can enter your reference number, coupon ID or name and address on the appropriate form on the same Web page.
Note that coupons expire 90 days after they have been mailed. The expiration date is printed on the card. Coupons cannot be reissued if they expire or are lost or stolen.
6.
Coupons look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely in the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons will carry no stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.
7.
Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.
8.
Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.
9.
The TV converter box coupon application requires that you provide your name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two) and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service.
10.
No. Your personal information is protected under privacy laws and will not be sold or used for other purposes other than administering the NTIA Coupon Program.
11.
Applicants must meet the Census definition of a household as consisting of “all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters and has a separate U.S. postal address.” A household is defined as separate living quarters with a separate U.S. Postal address. This definition includes all households located in U.S. Territories.
On April 24, 2008, NTIA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Request for Comment in the Federal Register that proposes to waive the “eligible household” and application requirements in section 47 C.F.R. § 301.3(e) for individuals residing in nursing homes or other senior care facilities, subject to alternative application requirements. The Agency is working expeditiously to complete this rulemaking.
12.
Yes. You can assist someone else to complete an application.
13.
The government can mail coupons to Post Office boxes in areas without home mail delivery. Post Office boxes will be accepted only for households on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native villages and other rural areas. The government may request additional information to validate the physical location of these households.
1.
Check the TV Converter Box Coupon Program material that comes with your coupons or click
here to see a list of participating online retailers.
2.
No. The government will provide a list of coupon-eligible converter boxes and participating retailers here. You may also ask participating retailers whether TV converter boxes in their stores can be purchased with the $40 government coupon.
3.
No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be used only for purchases of coupon-eligible converter boxes.
4.
No. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is not a rebate program. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.
5.
It is instantly deactivated and cannot be used again. Stores may keep them or you can throw them away. You should keep your receipt and a record of your coupon number in case you decide to exchange or return the converter box.
6.
No. Coupons cannot be reissued. If you have requested one coupon, you may be eligible to receive another. If both coupons have been lost or stolen, or you have requested both coupons, used one, and the other coupon is lost or stolen, by law we are unable to reissue coupon replacements. While it is illegal to sell coupons, giving a coupon for free to a family member, friend, or neighbor is not prohibited under Program regulations.
7.
No. Only one coupon can be used per coupon-eligible converter box.
8.
Yes. Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However, only two coupons can be issued per household regardless of the number of occupants or families.
9.
While it is illegal to sell coupons, giving a coupon for free to a family member, friend, or neighbor is not prohibited under Program regulations.
10.
No. The coupon has no cash value.
11.
No. It is illegal to sell, duplicate or tamper with the coupon.
12.
Retailers that are not participating in the Coupon Program will not be able to accept the coupons. Only retailers certified by the NTIA will accept the coupons. A list of certified retailers in your area can be found
here.
13.
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it.
14.
Please allow three weeks after you applied before contacting us to check on the status of your application if you have not received your coupons. You can check the status of your request online at
www.DTV2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx.
15.
You will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount, but you can receive cash or credit for any amount you paid out of pocket, if the store policy permits returns or exchanges.
16.
If the retail store permits exchanges, you can exchange the converter you purchased for another coupon-eligible converter box.
17.
If a consumer requests only one coupon and it expires before it is used, then they can apply for a second coupon. Once two coupons have been issued to that household, the consumer will no longer be eligible to request any more coupons. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.
18.
No. Coupons are only valid for eligible converter boxes. The intent of the program is to allow consumers to continue to view TV over-the-air on the same TV they used prior to the transition, not to enable upgrades in technology.
19.
No. The $40 coupon can only be used towards the price of an eligible TV converter box, excluding any sales tax.
20.
Yes, if the consumer is purchasing two TV converter boxes with two valid coupons.
21.
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed and will have the expiration date printed on the coupon. The last day to apply for coupons is March 31, 2009, or until supplies are exhausted.
22.
No, the coupon can only be used for the price of an eligible converter box. Consumers will not get change back. If the converter box is priced below $40, then consumers will only pay any applicable sales tax.
23.
The consumer may pay the difference with any other form of payment acceptable to the retailer. Two coupons may not be combined towards the purchase of a single converter box.
24.
Consumers may purchase as many converter boxes as they choose. However, a single coupon can only be used to purchase one coupon-eligible converter box. If the consumer decides to purchase additional converter boxes, they must pay the full cost.
25.
No.