DTV (Digital Television) Transition Information
UPDATE: Congress has set June 12, 2009 as the final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts. Under the law, on Feb. 17, some full-power broadcast television stations in the United States may stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. The remaining stations may stop broadcasting analog sometime between March 14 and June 12.
On February 17, 2009, some full power broadcast stations will stop broadcasting in analog format and will continue broadcasting in digital only. This change, known as the DTV transition, was mandated by Congress and will provide many benefits to the public, including more spectrum for use by public safety (policy, fire and emergency rescue workers). This transition will require many consumers with analog television sets who receive only free over-the air television through either a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" to take action in order to continue to receive a television signal.
We are especially concerned that the transition may disproportionately affect certain segments of the population, especially those who are more likely to have older, analog televisions and rely exclusively upon free over-the-air television (they don’t subscribe to cable, satellite, or some other paid television service). These include: Seniors, people with disabilities, non-English speaking consumers, minority consumers, low-income consumers and people living in rural and tribal areas. Generally, any consumer with an analog television who is not connected to cable or satellite has three basic options for preparing for the DTV transition. They can either:
- Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box and connect it to their analog set. Congress has established a program to assist consumers in purchasing converter boxes. Under this program, every household is entitled to two $40 coupons, each of which can be used to help purchase a converter box. This program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Coupons may be requested from www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 888-DTV-2009 or,
- Buy a digital television (a TV with a built in digital tuner). They do not have to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to receive digital television programming or,
- Subscribe to a paid TV service. Those who subscribe to a paid service such as cable or satellite should contact their service provider to see what, if any, equipment they may need. They should remember that they will need a digital-to-analog converter box for any analog TV et that is not connected to their paid service
Visit www.dtv.gov for additional information.
Is Your TV Ready For Digital?
FCC Forum in Nashville
