On February 17, 2009 Your TV May Stop Receiving Television Programming!
For more info visit: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Digital Television (DTV) Transition:
On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power U.S. broadcast stations must switch from analog television broadcasting to digital television broadcasting.
DTV Benefits for the Public (from FCC Consumer Facts):
- Provides clear pictures, quality sound and more programming and channels.
- Provides future interactive video and data services for the TV of the future.
- Allows more emergency & safety transmission.
Who will this Affect?
If you currently rely on rabbit ears or a roof top antenna and have an analog television, after February 17, 2009, you will no longer be able to receive television programming.
Three Solutions:
- Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog in order to be transmitted digitally through your functioning VHF or UHF antenna to your analog television (see the TV Converter Box Coupon Program below).
- Obtain a digital television and use your functioning VHF or UHF antenna.
- Subscribe to a cable or satellite provider which will allow your analog TV to continue to function.
TV Converter Box Coupon Program:
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), a federal agency, will start “The TV Converter Box Coupon Program” in January 2008.
- Each household may apply for two coupons, each worth $40 (coupon-eligible converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 - $70 and will be available at electronics stores and online retailers).
- Consumers can apply to the NTIA through www.dtv.gov, toll free (888) 388-2009 or by mail.
- Coupons will be available on a first come, first serve basis, and distribution will start in early spring of 2008. This will include retail information where converter boxes are available for purchase within a five mile radius of recipients’ homes.
- Coupons will expire after 90 days from the date that they were issued.
For more information please contact:
Fox Diversity Development - www.fox.com/diversity
The Federal Communication Commission – (888) CALL-FCC (1-888-2255-322)
NTIA – www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/consumer.html
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program – (888) 388-2009 or go to www.dtv.gov