WASHINGTON, DC – Septmember 4, 2008 – In less than 6 months, our country will be making the transition to digital television broadcasting. You may have already read about or seen public service announcements regarding the impending change from traditional analog television broadcasting to digital television broadcasting, scheduled to occur on February 17, 2009 at midnight.
 
Most Americans will not be affected by the transition. If your television sets are connected to cable or satellite service, then you should not need to do anything to prepare for the transition.
 
But analog television sets that rely on an antenna, or "rabbit ears," to receive television programming will likely need a digital-to-analog converter box to receive and display digital signals. Estimates are that 36 percent of U.S. households have at least one television set that is used to watch signals over the air and that will therefore require a digital to analog converter box.
 
Below are some questions and answers to common questions about the DTV transition as well as resources for those who may be affected.
 
 
 
Questions and Answers About the Digital Television Transition
 
 
Who Will Be Affected By The Digital Television Transition?
 
Any analog television set that relies on an antenna, or "rabbit ears," to receive programming will likely need a digital-to-analog converter box to receive and display digital signals.
 
To ensure that your family’s analog television sets that are not connected to cable or satellite service remain functional after February 17, 2009, please follow the instructions below for claiming coupons and purchasing converter boxes.
 
Do I Need a Converter Box?
 
That depends. Do any of the analog televisions in your household use rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna to receive signals, or are all of your television sets hooked up to cable or satellite service?
 
If all of your television sets are connected to cable or satellite service, then you should not need to do anything to prepare for the transition.
 
If any of your analog television sets rely upon rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna, then you will need a converter box for those sets.
 
How Do I Apply for a $40 TV Converter Box Coupon?
 
Every household may apply for two $40 TV converter box coupons, each of which may be applied toward the cost of one converter box.
 
There are four ways to apply for these coupons:
1) ONLINE: Visit https://www.dtv2009.gov and follow the step-by-step instructions for applying online.
2) BY PHONE: Dial one of the numbers below and answer the questions as you are prompted.  
1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
TTY: 1-877-530-2634 (English)
1-866-495-1161 (Spanish)
3) BY MAIL: Print out the form linked below, fill it out and send it to:
TV Converter Box Coupon Program                      
P.O. Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208
Application for converter box coupon: https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf
4) BY FAX: Print out the form linked above, fill it out and fax it to:
1-877-DTV-4ME2
 
Do I Need Two TV Converter Box Coupons?
 
Before requesting your TV converter box coupons from the NTIA consider whether your household will need one coupon or two. If you order one coupon initially, you can request a second coupon later, as long as funds remain available in the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. If you initially request two coupons and both of them expire, you will not be able to request any additional coupons.
 
What if I Have Ordered My Coupon but Have Not Yet Received It?
 
Check on the status of your coupon here (you will need the reference number or your address): https://www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx
 
Where Can I Redeem Coupons?
 
You have several options for using your TV converter box coupon to purchase a converter box.
 
1.   Go to a local retailer. The packet you received in the mail with your TV converter box coupons includes a list of certified local retailers. You can also enter your address on the Web page linked below to see a list of converter box retailers in your area. Visit one of the suggested retailers to redeem your coupon and purchase a converter box. It is a good idea to call the retailer before visiting the store to ensure that it has converter boxes in stock. https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx
 
2.   Order a converter box over the phone. Many retailers are allowing customers to use a TV converter box coupon to purchase a converter box over the phone. The retailer will then ship the converter box once it is available. (Some retailers will charge a shipping fee.) A list of retailers selling converter boxes by phone and their phone numbers can be found here: https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx
 
3.   Order a converter box online. A list of retailers selling converter boxes online and their websites can be found here: https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx
 
What Should I Do if My TV Converter Box Coupon is About to Expire?
 
If your TV converter box coupon is about to expire and retailers in your area do not have converter boxes in stock, you should consider purchasing a converter box over the phone or online before your coupon expires.
 
Why are the TV Converter Box Coupons Worth $40 Each, and Why are Consumers Eligible for Only Two Coupons?
 
The parameters for the coupon program, including the number of coupons available, the value of each coupon and household eligibility were established in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which was enacted during the 109th Congress, when Republicans were in the majority. While many Members of Congress would have preferred that more funding be set aside for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, the DTV transition is now just seven months away, and it is important that consumers who need them take advantage of the coupons that are available.
 
Why is the Digital Television Transition Occurring? What are the Benefits of Digital Television?
 
The digital television transition will bring great benefits to our nation.
 
Some of the channels currently used by analog television stations will be freed up for commercial advanced wireless services. Other channels have been set aside for public safety communications, including a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for public safety, which is a key recommendation of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (the 9-11 Commission).
 
The digital television transition will also bring benefits to television viewers.  Digital television will mean more free, over-the-air television channels, in addition to clearer images and enhanced sound quality. 
 
I watch Low Power and Translator Stations. Will I Still be Able to View These Stations After the Transition?
 
Yes. Low power and translator stations are not required by law to transition to digital on February 17, 2009, and many will continue to broadcast analog signals. You may continue viewing low power and translator stations by purchasing a converter box that includes the analog pass-through feature. More information is available at https://www.dtv2009.gov/lowpower/ or http://www.lptvanswers.com/.
 
How can I Tell if a Broadcast Television Station is a Low Power or Translator Station?
 
A full list of low power and translator stations that may be affected by the DTV transition is available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/LPTVmap.html. In addition, a translator station has its channel number in the middle of its call letters (such as K37ZZ). A low power station will usually have a –CA or –LP at the end of its call sign, although sometimes the call letters are in the same format as for a translator station.
 
 
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