DTV Transition
Washington,
Jun 9 -
The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. Congress set June 12, 2009 as the final date that full power television stations can broadcast analog signals. As of June 13, 2009, full power television stations will only broadcast digital, over-the-air signals. Your local broadcasters may make the transition before then, and some already have.
Below are some tools to help you with the process.
Help is available to consumers. The FCC has vendors across the nation to help consumers with the transition – including free in-home installations, as well as walk-in centers to provide additional assistance. For specific information on vendors in your area, go to www.dtv.gov and to enter your zip code in the “Get Help Locally” tool. Or call 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and call center agents will assist in finding local resources.
Try existing antenna first. In many cases, existing antennas should work, but may need to be adjusted once hooked up to the converter box or new DTV set. Consumers should make sure they have an antenna that receives both VHF and UHF signals. In some cases, a new indoor or outdoor antenna may be needed. If there are reception issues, use the Reception Mapping Tool at www.dtv.gov (enter address and see which stations are expected to provide a signal to that household).
Rescan. Some TV stations are changing channels after June 12, so consumers will need to rescan DTV converter boxes or DTV sets to pick up new channels. In some cases, a “reset” is necessary to make sure the converter box or DTV set picks up the new station if there was another station using that channel previously.
Coupons. If you haven’t applied for a DTV converter box coupon, you won’t receive it before the transition (it takes 9 business days to arrive once ordered), so alternative means might be necessary. Ask a friend or neighbor for an unexpired coupon, or consider purchasing a converter box without a coupon. Coupons are available until July 31 (or until funds run out) at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.
