Are You Prepared for the Digital Television (DTV) Transition?


On February 17, 2009, the nation will undergo a change in the way television broadcasting is transmitted over-the-air, and it may affect television viewing in your home. On that date, all television stations will terminate broadcasting analog signals and transmit digital signals only. The transition to DTV will provide television viewers with clearer pictures, more program choices, and it will free up major portions of the airwaves for public safety communications and new broadband wireless services.

If you have an analog television set that is connected to cable or satellite, those service providers will make sure that your television set receives a viewable image after the transition. If you have a digital television set, your television is ready for the DTV Transition.

If you have an analog television set that receives signals by means of rabbit ears or an over-the-air antenna and you want to continue to use this TV set, you will need to attach a small digital-to-analog converter box to your television set to receive over-the-air television broadcasts. These converter boxes will be sold nationwide at retail stores and online.

The federal government has a coupon program to help offset a portion of the cost to purchase converter boxes. Every U.S. household may request up to two $40 coupons to help pay for up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes. These converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $60 each. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a federal government agency, is in charge of the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Upon request, the NTIA will mail up to two coupons and a list of local retailers in your area that sell converter boxes. The converter box coupons expire 90 days after they are issued. NTIA will start mailing coupons to eligible households that have requested them once the converter boxes are available for purchase in retail stores. For more information about the coupon program and how to apply for coupons, please visit the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

For additional information about the DTV transition and what you may need to do to prepare for it, visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website http://www.dtv.gov/ or call 1-888-225-5322.