Digital TV (DTV) Transition

Currently many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital TV formats. After February 17, 2009, full-power TV stations will broadcast only in digital. The DTV transition will affect those who watch free over-the-air programs on an analog TV. You must take action before February 17, 2009, and you have 3 options:

1.   Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box.

• The US government is offering two $40 coupons per household for purchasing the converter boxes.
• For more information visit www.DTV2009.gov.
• Call 1-888-388-2009 (voice)
• or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY)
• A lot of folks have received their coupons but they have not redeemed them at a participating store.
• The coupons are only good for 90 days.
• If you've ordered a coupon and you don't think you will use it, give it to a friend in need.
• Encourage local organizations to collect unused coupons and donate them to those in need.

2.   Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner).
3.  Subscribe to a paid TV service such as cable or satellite TV.

The Federal Communications Commission is working with local government officials, retailers and the broadcasters in your community in an outreach effort to assist over the-air consumer with the DTV transition and converter box issues.

The broadcasters are doing a series of "soft tests" to alert those viewers at risk of losing their TV signals and the next one is scheduled on January 12, 2009.