What Is The Digital TV (DTV) Transition?

Currently, many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital TV formats. After February 17, 2009, full-power TV stations will only broadcast in digital. The DTV transition will affect those who watch free over-the-air television (through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears"). If you watch over-the-air programs on an analog TV, you must take action before February 17, 2009.

Why Are We Switching?

Federal law requires the switch, which will free up frequencies for police, fire, and emergency rescue communications, allow broadcasters to offer programming with better picture and sound quality and offer more programming choices, and allow for commercial advanced wireless services.

What Should I Do to be Ready?

You have three choices:

1. Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. For more information on the coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Plus, you should not need a new antenna if you get good quality reception on analog channels 2-51. Or

2. Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner). You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to enjoy digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box). Plus, you should not need a new antenna if you get good quality reception on analog channels 2-51. Or

3. Subscribe to a paid TV service. If you subscribe to a paid service such as cable or satellite TV, you should contact your provider to see what, if any, equipment you may need. Remember that you will need a digital-to-analog converter box for any analog TV in your home not connected to your paid TV service.

For More Information:

www.DTVAnswers.com

www.DTVTransition.org