DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION - February 17, 2009
WILL YOU BE READY?

What Is Happening?

Your TV signal is switching to “digital.” For more than fifty years, TV broadcasters have sent their shows to your TV using “analog” signals. After February 17, 2009, most of the old analog signals will be gone and most of the stations you watch will use only the new digital signals.

Why Is The Government Switching to Digital?

• For improved public safety for everyone. The transition to digital will help police, fire, and other public safety departments to communicate more easily with each other during emergencies.

• For you, digital TV offers better picture and sound quality, as well as more channels and programming choices.

What Does This Mean To You?

• If all of your TVs are hooked up to cable or satellite, you will continue to get your TV after the switch. Just check with your cable or satellite company to be sure.

• If you have a digital TV, you are ready for the switch. (If your TV is more than 10 years old it probably is not digital. If it is less than 10 years old, ask the manufacturer if your TV is “analog-only.”)

• If you have an analog-only TV with a roof top antenna or “rabbit ears,” you will not be able to watch most TV stations after February 17, 2009 unless you get a “converter box.”

Converter Box?

• The converter box will attach to your TV and let you go on getting free TV.

• With the converter box you can get a better picture and more channels. The antenna you have should work with the box.

• You can buy a converter box at a retail store. The boxes will cost $40 to $70.

• You can get two $40 coupons per household from the US Government to help you pay for up to two boxes. (One coupon per box only. Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing.)