DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION -
June 12, 2009 Get Ready Now
![Old TV with rabbit ear antenna](images/oldtv.gif)
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. By June 12, full power
analog signals will be gone and most of the stations you watch
will use only the new digital signals. However your local
broadcaster may make the transition before then, and some
already have. So prepare now.
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 June 12, 2009, and sooner, if
your local stations transition earlier, 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.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIGITAL TRANSITION
CALL 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) (TTY)
OR GO TO WWW.DTV.GOV
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT CONVERTERS AND COUPONS
CALL 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY) Or
Go To:
www.dtv2009.gov |
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