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 does this mean for families like some of our readers?
You may not receive a television signal if you ...
a. don't have cable or satelite television
b. don't have a newer television with a digital tuner installed (most tv sets produced after 3/08 do have these inside, check dtv.gov for test dates so you can test your television(s) to see if they do or not, if not, they will need a converter box installed (or be connected to cable/satellite)
What to do if your television does not pass the test or you don't have cable/satellite:
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, that 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.
Designer Y applied online at DTV Gov Apply for Coupon for a coupon for a Television in my son's room that does not have cable and it only took a minute. The coupon is expected to ship in about 3 weeks and shipping will take 2 weeks. I will have 90 days to redeem the coupon and I can take it to any place that sells electronics. Most converters range in cost from $25-$70 and each coupon is valued at $40 so I shouldn't have to pay anything for the converter. Some families may be overlooking a television in a guest room or vacation home etc so think ahead!
I hope this was helpful to our readers! For more info, go to
Digital Television Transition Project
