Beginning at midnight on February 17, 2009 television stations will no longer broadcast in analog

Get Ready for the Digital TV Transition

One of the biggest changes in television history is about to take place in the U.S. But some TV viewers may be left in the dark if they don't take action by February 2009.

If you use "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna with your analog television, you must take action to continue receiving television broadcasts. The Federal Government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to help with the cost of certified TVconverter boxes.

A federal law enacted in 2006 requires all full-power TV stations to stop broadcasting analog signals and broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. The transition to digital television provides consumers with a clearer picture, more programming, and frees up spectrum for advanced wireless broadband services and interoperable communications among emergency first responders.

Televisions connected to cable, satellite or other pay services should continue to work after the transition, but subscribers should check with their provider to be sure. Televisions with built-in digital tuners also will continue to work. But analog televisions using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears will not work after February 17, 2009.

To find out whether your TV is digital or analog, visit, www.dtvtransition.org and take the online quiz.

Viewers with analog TVs using antennas have three options to make the digital transition:

• Buy a converter box that will plug into your analog TV;
• Buy a TV with a digital tuner; or
• Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

A converter box connects to your existing analog television and will keep your TV working after February 17, 2009. It also will provide the added benefits of generally a clearer picture and more programming choices, where available.

The federal government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of certified TV converter boxes. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program, run by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will mail coupons to those households requesting them. Purchasing a converter box is a one-time cost, and the boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70.

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program opened as scheduled on January 1 and is off to a great start," said Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez. "The transition to digital television is an unprecedented effort and we are working hard to ensure all Americans are aware of the transition and take the necessary action before February, 2009."

Between now and March 31, 2009, U.S. households can apply for the $40 coupons online at www.DTV2009.gov, by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or for TTY 1-877-530-2634(English), 1-866-495-1161(Spanish), by fax at 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632) or by mail to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208. Coupons expire 90 days after being mailed and cannot be reissued. A list of nearby retail stores where you can purchase a TV converter box will be included with your coupon.

For more information about the digital television transition, please visit www.DTV2009.gov.