Congressman Sander Levin

 
 
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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 stop broadcasting in analog format.  Thereafter, only digital signals will be transmitted.

The DTV transition will provide television viewers with clearer pictures and more program choices, and it will free up major portions of the airwaves for public safety communications as well as 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 already 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.  The converter box will permit analog-only televisions to receive and display the new digital signals.  These converter boxes are available 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 cost between $40 and $60 each.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a federal government agency, is in charge of the Digital–to-Analog Converter Box 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. 

For more information about the Coupon Program and how to apply for the coupons, go to the NTIA website 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 website http://www.dtv.gov

Sincerely,



Sander Levin
Member of Congress





 
 
March 26, 2008