Digital Tv Transition: What You Need to Know

Digital television promises a clearer viewing experience with higher definition pictures, more channels, and availability of additional spectrum for wireless communications and public safety purposes.  However, many people are still seeing a snowy picture regarding how the conversion from the current analog television system to digital will work. 

February 17, 2009 marks the end of television transmissions in an analog format and the beginning of digital-only signals across the United States.

Do I have to buy a new television?
You DO NOT have to throw away your current television and purchase a new one to receive TV signals after February 17 2009.  Every single TV in use today can receive digital, as long as you have a new Digital-to-Analog (DTA) converter, or you subscribe to a cable or satellite TV service.  After the February deadline the cable and satellite TV industry will automatically convert their signal for customers.  The major impact will be on people using an “over the air” antenna to watch TV.  These people must purchase a converter box to see TV after February 17.  Converter boxes are currently available at Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam’s Club, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart and cost approximately $70 - $80.  Television owners can apply for a maximum of two Federal government coupons, for $40 off each DTA converter.  Apply online now at www.dtv2009.gov ; call the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009; mail a coupon application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland OR 97208-2000; fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2.