|
Families may request up to two $40 coupons to put toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) is encouraging residents of the First Congressional District to prepare for the upcoming digital television (DTV) transition. On February 17, 2009, all television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals and begin using digital signals exclusively.
"This upgrade in technology will not only provide television viewers with clearer pictures and more program choices, it will free up major portions of the airwaves for public safety communications such as police, fire and rescue and broadband wireless services," said Berry. "Unfortunately this technology update could negatively affect seniors, the economically disadvantaged and rural residents who do not know about the transition. That's why I'm encouraging everyone to get the coupons and make the transition now instead of waiting until next year."
In Arkansas, approximately 144,240 households receive free over-the-air television though an antenna or "rabbit ears" and are at risk of losing television reception if they do not take the necessary steps to transition to digital.
Television sets connected to cable or satellite should not be affected, and will continue to receive broadcast programming after that date. But, television sets that are not connected to cable, satellite, a telephone company television service provider or do not have a built-in digital tuner, will need a converter box to continue receiving broadcast television signals after the transition occurs.
Beginning in early 2008, consumers can purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into an existing analog set and allows continued free television reception. At that time, the federal government will provide households up to two $40 coupons that can be used toward the purchase of these boxes. The coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued and the boxes will be available at retail stores that sell electronic equipment.
Nationally, more than 34 million households will be affected by the DTV transition, including approximately 70 million television sets, according to data released by the National Association of Broadcasters.
For more information about the Coupon Program and how to apply for coupons, visit the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
For more information about the DTV transition and how you can prepare, visit the Federal Communications Commission's website at www.dtv.gov/ or call 1-888-225-5322.
For other questions call Congressman Berry's office at 1-800-972-4600.
|
