All television broadcasting will switch from an analog signal to a digital signal at Midnight on February 17, 2009.  Individuals without a satellite or cable connection will need special converter boxes to receive the new digital signal.

According to the website www.dtv2009.gov, “digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.”  Service for persons with cable, satellite or those who have televisions with digital tuners will not be interrupted.  The switch from analog to digital will affect only those with analog televisions which have antennas. 

However, families will not have to purchase new televisions to receive the new signal. Congress has created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to aid those who wish to continue to use their analog television after February 17, 2009.  The program allows people to obtain up to two coupons per household to cover the cost of purchasing a specified converter.  The coupons are worth $40 each.  Between January 1, 2008 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).

·         Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. (Application can be downloaded online)

·         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.

For more information, please visit www.dtv2009.gov, or contact the office of Congressman Davis.

-###-