Big changes are coming to broadcast television. On February 17, 2009, all full-power broadcast television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and continue broadcasting in digital only. This is known as the digital television (DTV) transition.
The DTV transition will be an historic moment in the evolution of TV. Broadcast television stations can offer viewers improved picture and sound quality and new programming choices. Since digital is more efficient than analog, it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time. This means broadcasters can offer consumers more programming choices. All-digital broadcasting also will allow us to significantly improve public safety communications and will usher in a new era of advanced wireless services such as the widespread deployment of wireless broadband.
What can I do to be ready for the television transition?
Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will cease working at midnight on February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before this happens to ensure their TV sets continue to work. Never fear, you have a variety of options including:
- You can keep using your existing TV by simply purchasing a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009. It is expected to cost between $40 and $70 and be available in early 2008. There is a DTV coupon program available to help with the cost of these boxes.
- Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service.
- Purchase a television with a built in digital tuner.
Will I still need an antenna to receive programming? Will I need to purchase a “DTV antenna” or “HDTV antenna” to receive digital television signals?
You should be able to receive digital television signals with your broadcast antenna. It is unlikely that you will need to purchase a new “DTV antenna” or “HDTV antenna.” To learn more about receiving digital television signals with an antenna, please visit the FCC’s Antenna website at http://www.fcc.gov or www.antennaweb.org.
Do I need a converter box if I have cable or satellite?
TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a digital TV converter box to receive programs after February 17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009.
Will I need to buy a new television after February 17, 2009?
No, you will not need to get rid of your analog TV after February 17, 2009. If you receive your TV programs for free using an antenna—that is, your TV set is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service—you can purchase a TV converter box and plug it into your existing TV set to continue to receive TV programs after February 17, 2009.
Where can I purchase a converter box?
The list of certified retailers will be on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program website at www.DTV2009.gov and retailer website (www.ntiadtv.gov) when coupon distribution begins. However, you should be aware that most retailers will have a very limited selection of converter boxes and may not have stock to purchase before your coupon expires. We’ve setup a program where you can purchase your converter box online and not worry about these problems. For for information on this program please visit our DTV converter box page.
How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a converter box coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:
- Apply online
- 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. Download a Coupon Application here.
- 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, see our page on getting a converter box coupon.
Will the transition affect me?
You will need to take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition.
I have a coupon already, where do I purchase my converter box?
We’ve done all the leg work for you, and put together a list of coupon eligible digital TV converters that are eligible for the coupon program. These units meet all technical requirements are are easy to use. Our sales partner, Summit Source, has been in the electronics business for over 25 years and really knows their stuff.
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