100 Days 'Til Digital Switch
Titusville, PA – In an effort to free-up the airwaves for increased wireless and emergency services, Congress passed legislation that requires all television stations to switch their broadcast format from analog to digital by February 17, 2009. What does this mean and how should you prepare? Below are instructions that will allow for a smooth transition. Please note that current satellite and cable TV subscribers will not be affected by this transition.
‘Rabbit Ears’ or Rooftop Antenna users: If you rely on the traditional, ‘over the air’ broadcast feed to watch television, you will need to take action before February 17, 2009 or you will experience an interruption in service until you take the necessary steps to convert your television from analog to digital. You may consider one of the following options:
Purchase a Digital TV (DTV) converter box to convert the digital signal to an analog signal. The Federal government will provide each household with up to two coupons, valued at $40.00 a piece to purchase DTV converter boxes. The boxes cost $40.00 - $70.00 and are available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sears, Kmart, and Target. To request a coupon call 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov. Purchase a TV that has a built-in digital tuner. Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider.
How do you know if your TV has a built-in digital converter? Refer to the owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. If your TV has an ATSC tuner, you do not need to purchase a DTV converter box; however, your rooftop/rabbit ear antennas are still necessary to receive the signal.
“While this change may seem burdensome, it is necessary to free up much needed airspace for our first responders to operate more efficiently and without interruption when communicating,” said Peterson. “I am confident that as long as folks follow these directions and consult with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) DTV team if they have questions, this will be a seamless transition that will benefit the nation as a whole.”
Please contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 if you have any questions regarding the Digital TV transition.
‘Rabbit Ears’ or Rooftop Antenna users: If you rely on the traditional, ‘over the air’ broadcast feed to watch television, you will need to take action before February 17, 2009 or you will experience an interruption in service until you take the necessary steps to convert your television from analog to digital. You may consider one of the following options:
Purchase a Digital TV (DTV) converter box to convert the digital signal to an analog signal. The Federal government will provide each household with up to two coupons, valued at $40.00 a piece to purchase DTV converter boxes. The boxes cost $40.00 - $70.00 and are available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sears, Kmart, and Target. To request a coupon call 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov. Purchase a TV that has a built-in digital tuner. Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider.
How do you know if your TV has a built-in digital converter? Refer to the owner’s manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. If your TV has an ATSC tuner, you do not need to purchase a DTV converter box; however, your rooftop/rabbit ear antennas are still necessary to receive the signal.
“While this change may seem burdensome, it is necessary to free up much needed airspace for our first responders to operate more efficiently and without interruption when communicating,” said Peterson. “I am confident that as long as folks follow these directions and consult with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) DTV team if they have questions, this will be a seamless transition that will benefit the nation as a whole.”
Please contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 if you have any questions regarding the Digital TV transition.
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