DTV Transition

How to make sure you are ready. Countdown to February 17, 2009.

Foxx Press Release: Digital TV (DTV) converter coupons now available 2/20/2008

Foxx in the News: Digital Killed the Analog Star (Mountain Times) 2/28/2008

The DTV transition will provide television viewers with clearer pictures and additional program choices. It will also free up major portions of the nation’s airwaves for public safety communications for police, fire and rescue. Households with an analog TV set connected to cable or satellite service will continue to receive a viewable image after the transition and do not need to purchase a converter box. All digital TV sets are also ready for the DTV transition.

The digital-to-analog converter boxes will be available soon at major retailers and online. They are expected to cost between $50 and $60 each. The federal government has established a converter box coupon program for households with analog TVs that will need a special converter box. All U.S. households may request up to two $40 coupons for the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a federal government agency, has begun to issue the $40 coupons.  March 31, 2009 is the last day to request converter coupons, if all the funds have not already been exhausted.

Households that request the $40 converter coupons from the NTIA will receive a list of local retailers that sell the converter boxes. The converter box coupons expire 90 days after they are issued. Converter box coupons can be requested online, by phone or by mail. The coupons can be requested at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). For more information about the DTV transition visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website at www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322.

Click here to find out if your TV is already digital.  There are three basic ways to make the switch to digital television: (1) Use a TV Converter Box, (2) Choose a new TV set, or (3) Utilize cable or satellite providers. Learn about them at UNC-TV online.

Please be advised that low power broadcast will not be included in the digital switch so those will still be in analog.  If you still want to watch public access or other low power broadcasts be sure to get an analog pass-through converter box.  Click here for more information.

Where to get more information:

What is DTV?
Why the switch?
Are low power broadcasts included in the switch?
How do I know if I already have a digital TV (DTV)?
How to Select of DTV?
How do I switch?
Do I Need a Converter Box?
Converter Box Details
Choosing an Antenna
DTV Myths and Facts
Preparing for the Transition; Brochure (PDF, 244 KB)