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. Thereafter, only digital signals will be transmitted. The DTV Transition will provide television viewers with clearer pictures and more program choices, and will free up major portions of the airwaves for public safety communications such as police, fire and rescue, and for new broadband wireless services.
If you have an analog television set which 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 which receives signals by means of rabbit ears or an over-the-air antenna and you desire to keep this set in service, you will need to attach a small digital-to-analog converter box to your television set in order to continue receiving over-the-air television broadcasts. These converter boxes will be sold nationwide at retail stores and online. In addition, the federal government has a coupon program to help offset a portion of the cost to purchase converter boxes.
All U.S. households may request up to two $40 coupons to go toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes, which 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 the 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, go to the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009. A coupon application can be found below. Coupon supplies may be limited, so send in your application as soon as possible. To be eligible for a coupon, you must apply by March 31, 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.
Click here to return to entire Issue list
Print this page
