Beginning February 17, 2009 television broadcast will stop broadcasting in analog format and will use only digital formatting. This switch is being made for several reasons. The most important reason is to free up frequencies for police, fire, emergency rescue, and any other public safety communications. Digital broadcasting will also bring you a more superior picture and sound quality. It is a more efficient form of broadcasting, allowing more programming options through multicasting. However, there are some things you need to know to make the switch more convenient for you.
First, you will need to know what kind of television you have. If you purchased your TV after May 25 2007, the Federal Communications Commission decided that all sets must include a digital tuner or the retailer must display a notice stating that it will need a converter box. If you purchased your TV prior to May 25, 2007, there are a couple of ways to tell if you need the converter. Look for a label on your TV that says “Integrated Digital Tuner” or “Digital Tuner Built-In.” The word “Receiver” may be used instead of “Tuner.” Also, the words “DTV, ATSC, or HDTV” may replace the word “Digital.” If your set has any of these words, you should not need a converter box. You can also look for the information in your owner’s manual. If you still can not find what you need, you can call the manufacturer or retail store with the model number and they will be able to tell you.
If you only view free over-the-air television programming and have an analog TV, then you will have to purchase a digital-to-analog set-top converter box from a retailer. Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households can request two coupons to purchase their converter boxes. These coupons are worth $40.00 each. They are only for over-the-air digital television signals and will not work for analog TVs that are connected to paid providers. If you currently subscribe to cable or satellite TV, you can contact your provider for specific boxes for their service.
VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, and video games will still work even if they are only analog capable. These may not have the best picture or sound as a DTV but manufacturers are in the process of making different types of connectors that you can purchase to improve the quality. You will not need to buy a new antenna for free over-the-air transmission, unless it does not receive UHF signals. These are the channels 14 and above. Since most stations are already broadcasting in digital, you can contact them directly to find out what channel numbers they are broadcasting digital programming.
How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:
Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov
Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Hearing-impaired consumers can use our TTY service by calling: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY)
Mail a coupon application to:
PO BOX 2000,
Portland, OR 97208-2000
Fax a coupon application to 1-877-
DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
For more information, you can contact the Federal Communications Commission:
1-888-225-5322 (Voice)
1-888-835-5322 (TTY)
1-866-418-0232 (Fax)
www.dtv.gov (Website)