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Mailing Address:
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC
20510
Phone: (202) 224-5344
Toll Free: (800) 432-1599
Fax: (202) 224-1946
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About RSS and Podcasting
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On February 17, 2009, television broadcasters will transition from analog TV signals to an all-digital system and in doing so begin a new chapter of innovation and viewing experience. I want to make sure all Mainers and Americans are aware of this transition and the benefits that will be reaped from it. So I hope that you read this site as well as click on the included links to learn more about the DTV transition and what you need to do to be prepared.
Why is this transition occurring?
The purpose of this transition is to free up scarce broadcast spectrum so that first responders and public safety services can have much needed spectrum capacity. This spectrum and the services they use it with will greatly improve emergency communications and response.
The transition will also provide space for advanced wireless technologies, which will bring Americans advance broadband and communications services. In addition, the new digital TV signals will offer viewers higher quality video and sound, as well as the opportunity for broadcasters to offer new emerging technologies and services such as interactive TV and multicasting, which is the transmission of several program streams on one broadcast channel.
When is the transition occurring?
February 17, 2009 is when full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels. Low power TV stations are exempt from the DTV transition and will be able to continue to broadcast in analog.
What do you need to do to be prepared?
If you have one or more televisions that has an analog tuner, and you receive free over-the-air television programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. This converter box will also enable you to see any additional multicast programming that your local stations are offering.
To assist consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. You will be able to request the coupons until March 2009. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost.
Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting. If you are a satellite subscriber but do not receive local broadcast channels through your satellite subscriber, you should contact your satellite provider to determine what you will need to do to receive local broadcast channels.
How do I obtain a coupon?
Coupon applications for DTV converter boxes are now available. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2009.
There are several ways consumers can request a coupon (two coupons per household):
1. Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov
2. Download and print a copy of the coupon application: https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf
- Mail a coupon application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
- Or fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
3. Call the 24-hour hotline, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
When you receive your coupon(s), you will also be provided a list of the closest retailers in your area that have the converter boxes available. Such locations will include a variety of local and national electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, and Wal-Mart.
Need more information?
For more information on the DTV transition and the converter box coupon program please visit the following sites.
DTV Transition: www.dtv.gov
Converter Box Program: https://www.dtv2009.gov/
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