 On June 12, 2009, all full power broadcast television stations will begin transmitting 100% digitally, and as a result, most analog TV transmission will become a thing of the past. This switch to an all-digital transmission format, called DTV, will free up valuable spectrum for use by first responders and safety personnel, as well as by the wireless industry to promote innovation and competition for consumers. This transition will bring important improvements to our national security and technology industries, but first we must ensure that all consumers are aware of the upcoming switch.
Will you be affected? If your TV requires “rabbit ears” or you use a rooftop antenna to receive free, over-the-air television, you WILL be
affected by the DTV Transtion. If you subscribe to television service
through a cable or telephone company or through a satellite or a dish,
you shouldCALL YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER
to find out if you will be affected.
What should you do? You can do one of three things to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Purchase a digital converter box, which will allow
digital signals to play on your analog TV set. Each household is
eligible to apply for up to TWO $40 vouchers to be used towards the
purchase of converter boxes. FAQ's on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Apply: Apply TODAY for your
coupon, which will help you purchase a government certified converter
box. Coupons are available on a
first come, first served basis. You can apply online, by phone, by mail or fax. To
apply online go to DTV2009.gov, by phone call
1-888-DTV-2009, by mail send the paper application to PO
Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208
or fax it to 1-877-DTV-4ME2.
Buy: Buy your coupon
eligible converter box. COUPONS
EXPIRE 90 days after they are mailed.
Try: Try your converter box
as soon as you get it home. Hook
-up your converter box to start watching digital television or to
troubleshoot potential problems. The converter box instructions may
include a toll free line for help setting up your box. If you experience poor reception,
contact your local television station
2. Purchase
a new television set equipped with a digital tuner. -or- 3. Subscribe
to cable, satellite or dish television service.
Información en Español sobre la transición a la televisión digital y la programa de cupones para caja convertidora de televisor
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