DTV Transition and the Coupon Program
What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all
full-power television stations in the United States will stop
broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital
broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming
options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box
Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV
sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to
obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, which can be applied toward
the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
1. Keep your existing analog TV
and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and
will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
What are my options?
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:
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.
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.
Answer
You do not need a TV converter box.
Cable and satellite subscribers should check with their providers
before February 17, 2009 to see how they are handling the transition.
TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not
require a TV converter box from this program.
Answer
You need a TV converter box. Since you
receive your TV over-the-air, and do not have a digital ready
television, you will need a converter box to receive television after
February 17th, 2009. Click here if you'd like to apply for a coupon.
Answer
You may need a TV converter box. The
best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built in
is to consult your owner’s manual. If that’s not possible, you may be
able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s
website. Or, you can take an up-close look at your TV set. In any case,
you’re trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled
“digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee,
which is the DTV format).
Answer
You do not need a TV converter box
for this TV set. Your TV has a digital tuner already built in and will
likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition
on February 17th, 2009. If you have another TV set in your household
that does not have a built-in digital tuner, you will need a TV
converter box for this TV to continue to receive your programs after
February 17th, 2009.
