Get Ready for Digital TV

Make sure your television can accommodate digital broadcasts

Source: AARP.org | March 8, 2007

analog tv june 12

Need Help?

digital tv transition logo

For more information about setting up converter boxes and antennas call the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) or go to the DTV Web site. The FCC can also assist with installation of converter boxes.

More Assistance

coupon program

Use this online form to apply for a converter box coupon.

dtv questions

Got questions? Get answers about the transition.

dtv instructions

View instructions of how to hook up a converter box.

Help a Friend Get Connected

1. Help someone get a converter box. Request one or two free coupons (worth $40 each) at www.dtv2009.gov or call, toll-free, 1-888-DTV-2009. If you have an unexpired coupon that you do not need, please give it to a friend. Some households may also need new antennas. For information, visit www.antennaweb.org.

2. Help someone connect a converter. The DTV Transition Coalition has a simple Connections Guide that you can print. In addition, the retailer Best Buy offers a walk-through video with step-by-step instructions.

Find more opportunities to help friends in your community.

Videos About Digital TV

View these segments from Retirement Living TV's 'Retired and Wired':

Through June 12, 2009, television stations will stop sending out program signals on their analog channels.
 

If you already have a digital TV or if you have cable or satellite service you most likely don’t need to do anything.  

If you don't have a digital TV or cable/satellite service, don’t wait until the last minute to make the switch to digital TV.  Converter box coupons are available on a first-come, first-served basis through July 31, 2009.  All U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes.

If you need help setting up your converter box, the Federal Communications Commission is providing free in-home DTV converter box installation assistance.

 

As soon as you get your coupon, purchase the converter box because the coupon expires within 90 days after it is sent to you. Once you get the converter box, attach it right a way so you can try out how the box works before your TV goes dark.
  
The change to DTV will mean a better quality television picture and more channel options. Check with your cable or satellite service provider to see if and when they’ll be providing any new equipment.
 
If you have an older set and use rabbit ears or an outside antenna, your TV won’t work after June 12 unless you:
  • Get a special converter box that will make your analog set work
  • Subscribe to a cable, satellite or other pay service for all the sets in your home
  • Or buy a new TV that receives digital signals
 
Buying a New Television
All newly manufactured TVs must include digital tuners. But any analog sets still in inventory may
be sold. The TV on super sale may be marked down because it won’t work next year.
 
Getting a Converter Box
To offset the cost of a converter box, you can receive up to two $40 coupons per household. These will not cover the entire cost of a converter box, but the coupons will offset most of the cost.
 
You can apply for the coupon online.
 
Or call to request the coupon (s):
            1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
            TTY English 1-877-302-2634
            TTY Spanish 1-866-495-1161
 
You can also download a paper form, fill it out and return to:
            TV Converter Box Coupon
            P.O. Box 2000
            Portland, Ore. 97208
 
or fax your form to 1-877-DTV- 4ME2.
 
Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities can now apply to receive one $40 government coupon toward the purchase of a TV converter box. Post office box holders can apply for two converter box coupons, but must provide their home address.
 
You can purchase the converter box from a retailer such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, or Wal-Mart. You can easily find the store nearest you. Call ahead to make sure a coupon-eligible box is in stock.
 
This box that sits on top of your TV changes digital signals coming over the air from the television station to analog format that your set can use. Keep in mind that every analog set in your house, unless it is connected to cable or satellite, will need a converter box. If you already use a roof-top or rabbit-ears antenna, the same antenna should work with the converter box. If you are having trouble getting things hooked up, you can reference this troubleshooting guide.
 

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