Are You Ready For Digital TV?

June 8, 2009
Blog Post
This Friday, June 12th, the nation's full-power television stations will switch to all-digital programming and analog television sets that are not connected to a converter box, cable, or satellite will stop working. The transition is critical because it will free up airwaves for broadband and enhanced emergency communications for our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. In February, President Obama and Congress worked to delay the digital television transition from February 17th to June 12th because it was clear that many Americans would have been left in the dark had the conversion gone on as planned. Be prepared for the transition:

What do I need to do to get ready?

If you currently watch over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" take action now to ensure you have continuous coverage:

Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box

Your local broadcasters may make the transition before the June 12th deadline, and some already have. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the converter boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. Because it typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons, consumers who apply now may not receive their coupons in time for the June 12th deadline.

Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner)

You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box). Depending on the signal strength of the DTV channels some consumers may need to move their existing antenna or purchase a new antenna to improve reception. You can learn more at http://www.antennaweb.org.

Subscribe to a paid TV service

If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition. Cable companies are not required to transition or switch any of their channels to digital. However, if you have an analog TV that does not receive local broadcast stations through your paid provider, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on that TV.

If you have a converter box, a digital television, or subscribe to a paid TV service such as cable or satellite TV, you're ready for the transition!

More resources and helpful information:

Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (Voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY)

DTV Made Easy (.pdf)>>

Frequently Asked Questions>>

Visit the website www.dtv.gov>>

Learn how to install your converter box (.pdf)>>

Visit DTVanswers.com to watch a video on how to install your converter box>>