On June 12, 2009 Your TV May Stop Receiving Television Programming!
Digital Television (DTV) Transition:
On June 12, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power U.S. broadcast stations must switch from analog television broadcasting to digital television broadcasting.
DTV Benefits for the Public (from FCC Consumer Facts):
- Provides clear pictures, quality sound and more programming and channels.
- Provides future interactive video and data services for the TV of the future.
- Allows more emergency & safety transmission.
Who will this Affect?
If you currently rely on rabbit ears or a roof top antenna and have an analog television, after June 12, 2009, you will no longer be able to receive television programming.
Three Solutions:
- 1. Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog in order to be transmitted digitally through your analog television (see the TV Converter Box Coupon Program below).
- 2. Obtain a digital television.
- 3. Subscribe to a cable or satellite provider which will allow your analog TV to continue to function.
TV Converter Box Coupon Program:
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), a federal agency, will start "The TV Converter Box Coupon Program" in January 2008.
- Each household may apply for two coupons, each worth $40 (coupon-eligible converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 - $70 and will be available at electronics stores and online retailers).
- Consumers can apply to the NTIA through www.dtv.gov, toll free (888) 388-2009 or by mail.
- Coupons will be available on a first come, first serve basis, and distribution will start in early spring of 2008. This will include retail information where converter boxes are available for purchase within a five mile radius of recipients' homes.
- Coupons will expire after 90 days from the date that they were issued.
For more information please contact:
The Federal Communication Commission - (888) CALL-FCC (1-888-2255-322)
NTIA - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/consumer.html
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program - (888) 388-2009 or go to www.dtv.gov
Fox Diversity Development - www.fox.com/diversity
