On Friday, June 12th,
the nation's full-power television stations
will switch to all-digital programming. This will mean that analog
television sets that are not connected to a converter box, cable, or satellite
will stop working. The transition is critical because it will free up
airwaves for broadband and enhanced emergency communications for our police
officers, firefighters, and other first responders.
Earlier this year,
President Obama and Congress worked to delay the digital television transition,
because it was clear that many Americans would have been left in the dark
had the conversion gone on as planned. In the months since then, we have
worked to assist millions with the transition, particularly those in our
most vulnerable communities.
While the number of
households unprepared for digital television has been cut in half, some
are still not ready. Because there will not be another delay, I encourage
you to be prepared for the transition so that you do not lose access to
important news and information.
What
do I need to do to get ready?
If you currently watch over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna
or "rabbit ears," take action now to ensure you have continuous
coverage. Here are some of your options:
Connect
your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box
Your local broadcasters may make the transition before the June 12th
deadline, and some already have. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are
in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the
converter boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per
household. Because it typically takes nine business days to process
and mail coupons, consumers who apply now may not receive their coupons
in time for the June 12th deadline.
Buy
a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner)
You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast
television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to
a digital-to-analog converter box). Depending on the signal strength
of the DTV channels some consumers may need to move their existing antenna
or purchase a new antenna to improve reception. You can learn more at
http://www.antennaweb.org.
Subscribe
to a paid TV service
If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider
such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition.
Cable companies are not required to transition or switch any of their
channels to digital. However, if you have an analog TV that does not
receive local broadcast stations through your paid provider, you will
need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on
that TV.
What if i have more questions?
Oregon Public Broadcasting has a very helpful website up. You can also call them at (800) 241-8123
If you have a converter
box, a digital television, or subscribe to a paid TV service such as cable
or satellite TV, you're ready for the transition!
For
More Information:
Call 1-888-CALL-FCC
(Voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY)