Digital Television Impacts Some Viewers

After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. The switch from analog to digital only is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition.

For viewers who have one or more televisions that receive free, over-the-air programming through a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV, the type of TV they own is very important. A digital television—a TV with an internal digital tuner—will allow the viewer to continue to watch free, over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009. However, if the TV is analog, the viewer will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that TV. This converter box will also enable the viewer to see any additional multicast programming that local stations offer.

Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to a cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cutoff date for full-power analog broadcasting, but should contact their provider to find out if anything is needed to be prepared for the February deadline.

For those who will need the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering a coupon program to help with the cost of purchasing the boxes. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of the converter boxes. The coupon program is now in operation. To obtain information about the coupons, call the NTIA at 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY) or visit the NTIA web site at www.dtv2009.gov.

The converter boxes generally sell for $40-$70 each. This is a one-time cost. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Participating retailers include Wal Mart, Radio Shack and Best Buy.

For more information about the digital transition, visit the government’s web site at www.dtv.gov.