CONGRESSMAN TANNER ANSWERS CONSUMER QUESTIONS ON DIGITAL TV CONVERSION

$40 Coupons Available to Help Buy Converter Boxes

WASHINGTON -- Congressman John Tanner released the following information to help Tennessee families plan for the conversion from analog to digital television, which will occur over the next year and will require new equipment for some TV viewers. The federal government is offering coupons to help consumers upgrade their TV sets.

People who currently receive television broadcasts from free over-the-air-transmissions (with rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears”) must either have a digital television or a converter that can convert the digital signal to an analog signal to continue watching television on and after February 17, 2009. 

Following are answers to some of the most common questions about this important change, based on information from the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, National Association of Broadcasters and www.dtv2009.gov, the federal government’s Web site for the digital transition.

What is the digital television conversion?

On February 17, 2009, all full-power TV stations will be required to switch from an analog signal to a digital signal

Why?

The change will improve picture quality and increase program options. It will also open up airwave space to improve public safety communications or for private companies to buy to improve wireless phone service.

Am I affected?

All analog televisions that receive over-the-air programming using a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” will be affected. Most consumers who pay for service through a cable or satellite company will not find a need to change unless they also watch over-the-air channels.

 Is my TV digital?

Most digital TVs and digital equipment have labels or markings on them like “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV.”

 If my television is analog, how do I make it digital-ready?

You don’t have to buy a new TV. Instead you can get an analog-to-digital converter box from an electronics store. The federal government is offering $40 coupons, which will help cover much of the cost of the boxes. Each household can use up to two of the coupons for free as long as they are available.

 How do I claim my household’s two $40 coupons?

Visit DTV2009.gov or call toll-free 888-388-2009 (voice) or 877-530-2634 (TTY).

If I buy a new TV, will it be digital-ready?

Most new television sets are designed to receive a digital signal, but retailers may still sell some analog sets from their remaining stock. If you don’t see any of the digital TV labels described above, ask a store employee before purchasing.

How is “digital TV” different from “High Definition TV”?

Digital TV, or “DTV,” is simply a television that has an internal tuner to receive a digital signal. High-definition TV, or “HDTV,” is a signal that is of a higher quality and requires an HDTV-compatible television. It is not necessary to buy HDTV equipment to be ready for the digital switch.

For more information on the digital TV transition, visit DTV2009.gov or call toll-free 888-388-2009 (voice) or 877-530-2634 (TTY).

Tanner represents Tennessee’s 8^th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee. A founding member of the fiscally responsible Blue Dog Democrats, he serves on the Ways and Means Committee, on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and as chairman of the U.S. House delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

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Contact: Randy Ford, 202.225.4714