Who's affected?

Consumers who receive over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners – and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider – will be affected by the transition.

1. Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set.

The DTV converter box is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal received by your antenna and makes it viewable on an older analog television set.  The DTV converter boxes are currently available in stores and cost between $50 and $70. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government is currently issuing $40 coupons.  Each household can apply for two coupons by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 or by going on line at www.dtv2009.gov.   Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) www.ntia.doc.gov .  If you are currently receiving an over-the-air signal via antenna, your current antenna should pick up the digital signal.

2. Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.  

All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

When can I obtain a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes that transform digital television signals to analog are currently available in stores. These converter boxes will allow consumers to maintain their free, over-the-air television service even on older analog TVs.  Coupons valued at $40 are available to help defray the cost of the converter box.

Where can I purchase a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes are available in retail stores.  Wal-mart, Radio Shack and Best Buy are a few of the popular electronics stores that carry converter boxes that can be purchased with the help of the $40 coupon.  To locate a converter box retailer near you, go on-line at www.dtv2009.gov.

What is a DTV converter box?

DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna and converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV.  

Why the switch?

DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. The switch to digital broadcasting will enable television stations to offer dramatically clearer pictures, better sound quality and more programming choices. Under legislation passed by Congress – the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 – over-the-air broadcast television stations are required to turn off their analog channels on February 17, 2009, and continue broadcasting exclusively in the digital format.  

How do I know if I have an analog or digital television set?

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over the air?

If you currently use an indoor or rooftop antenna to receive over-the-air analog broadcast television signals and you have good or excellent reception quality, the same antenna should be able to provide you with reception of digital television broadcast signals. For more information about using an antenna to receive local television broadcast channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

Will I be able to use my VCR, DVD player or camcorder with a DTV set?

Yes, your existing VCR, DVD player and camcorder will still work with a digital television set, but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.