DTV (Digital) Transition; What is it?

At midnight on February 17, 2009 the FCC requires that all full-power TV stations (i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, etc) switch from broadcasting an analog signal to broadcasting a digital signal only. Customers who subscribe to cable and have a digital box on each TV will be unaffected. However, this means that viewers who are using an antenna or rabbit ears will need to either upgrade their TV set to one with a digital tuner or purchase a TV Converter box capable of tuning the digital signals. The digital signal means a clearer digital picture with no more snow and will free up the airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Starting January 1, 2008 consumers may request up to two (2) $40 converter box coupons redeemable at 14,000 retail outlets. The converter boxes will cost between $50 and $70 depending on the outlet and model. (Best Buy in Alaska is quoting $179.00) NTIA has funds for 33.5 million coupons on a first come first serve basis. Coupons will be mailed beginning on February 17, 2008.

How to apply for your TV converter box coupon?

• Phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
• TTY: 1-877-530-2634
• Online: www.dtv2009.gov
• Mail: PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208
• Fax: 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

Other Resources/Links

• http://www.dtvanswers.com/
• http://www.ntiadtv.gov/home.cfm
• Link from ABC News of a clip explaining the switch -- http://player.clipsyndicate.com/view/475/482664
• Link to Wall Street Journal article -- http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB119923752474761303.html
• Link to current list of authorized converter boxes -- http://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm
• Link to current list of authorized retailers (none are listed now, but will be updated when coupon distribution begins.) -- https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about DTV

I subscribe to cable but already have a digital box for every TV. Do I need to swap them or purchase a new one?
I subscribe to cable, but have a TV in a spare room that uses an antenna can I get a coupon for that TV or do I need to connect it to cable?
What is the DTV Transition?
How do I use my coupon?
I have an old television set and would like to upgrade, but can not afford $1000 or more for an High Definition TV.

I subscribe to cable but already have a digital box for every TV. Do I need to swap them or purchase a new one?
No, your current boxes from cable or satellite will still work after February 17, 2009. The TV converter boxes being sold will only assist with over the air signals from the broadcasters and will not descramble any signal from GCI cable TV or satellite.

I subscribe to cable, but have a TV in a spare room that uses an antenna can I get a coupon for that TV or do I need to connect it to cable?
Yes, you can get a coupon however we recommend you apply early since the first 22 million coupons will be available to any requestors. However the remaining 11.5 million are reserved exclusively for people who do not subscribe to a video service from cable or satellite companies.

What is the DTV Transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009 the FCC has required that all full-power TV stations (i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, etc) switch from broadcasting an analog signal to broadcasting a digital signal only. Customers who subscribe to cable and have a digital box will be unaffected. However, this means that customers who are using an antenna or rabbit ears will need to either upgrade their TV set to one with a digital tuner or purchase a TV Converter box capable of tuning the digital signals. This means we will see a clearer digital picture with no more snow and will free up the airwaves for use by emergency responders.

How do I use my coupon?
Included with your coupon are instructions for its use along with a a list of eligible TV converter boxes and retailers. However, the coupon does have a 90 day expiration and they can not be reissued so it is important to use this promptly.

I have an old television set and would like to upgrade, but can not afford $1000 or more for an High Definition TV.
If you want to upgrade your television set an High Definition TV set is not required. All you need is to make sure your new television comes with a digital tuner so it can received the digital over the air signals from the broadcasters. There are many standard definition televisions that qualify and cost well below the $1000+ for an High Definition TV.