DTV

The DTV Transition has moved to June 12, 2009!!

Currently, free over-the-air television is broadcast in an analog format.  By federal law, broadcast stations were required to transfer to digital-only on February 17, 2009.  However, because of potential problems with the transition, the Congress and the President acted to delay the transition until June 12, 2009.  At midnight on that date, all analog broadcast television signals will be cut off, and stations will be required to broadcast exclusively in digital format.  If you are not prepared for the transition by that date, you will lose your signal.  Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you with the transition:

Why is this happening?  There are a few reasons why the decision was made to make all broadcasts digital.

1. It will open up airwaves for public safety, so that fire, police, and other emergency personnel can have more advanced communications.                                                                           
2. It will free up airwaves for more commercial wireless services.
3. Digital television is clearer than analog television, and should make for better viewing for those who receive signals over the air.

Do I need to take action to prepare for the DTV Transition?  If you have an analog television (one that needs "rabbit ears" or an antenna) you must take action before June 12, 2009, or your TV will not work.  You can check your owner's manual to see if your television has an analog tuner.  If it is labled "analog" or "NTSC", but does not say that it contains a digital tuner, you will need a set top converter box in order for that television to work.  Keep in mind: you do not need to purchase an HDTV set to receive DTV signals.

What can I do to prepare?  If you do rely on an analog television, you have a few options:

1. You can subscribe to cable, satellite, or telephone company television services.
2. You can purchase a television with a digital tuner.
3. You can purchase a converter box for your analog television. Each household can receive up to two $40 coupons from the government to cover the cost of a converter box. 

How do I get a coupon for a converter box?  The government set up a program to distribute coupons in order to offset the cost of purchasing a converter box.  However, on January 4, 2009, the program ran out of funds, and had to begin putting people on a waitlist for coupons.  (Congressman Brady's statement on this announcement can be found here.)  Fortunately, there are funds included in the American Rocovery and Reinvestment Act for the coupon program, and those on the waitilst should be able to get coupons shortly after NTIA restarts the coupon program.  In order to get on the waitlist for coupons, you should fill out a form at the NTIA Coupon Program website. 

What if I got a coupon already, and it expired?  You will be able to receive one new coupon for each expired coupon you have, with a limit of 2 per household.

Can I give my coupon to someone else or sell it?  If you have a coupon and would like to give it to someone who needs it, they are transferrable.  However, by federal law, converter box coupons can not be sold.

Can I get help locally installing a converter box?  The Mayor's Commission on Technology is now offering a range of DTV assistance services, including the establishment of DTV Help Centers citywide, and the provision of Converter Box Installation Services for seniors and the disabled.  A recreation center in each City Council District has been designated as a DTV Help Center, and DTV Information sessions and Converter Box Installation demonstrations will be available there 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. A Converter Box Installation Team will also be assigned to each Council District to assist eligible residents connect their converter box to their television. These new services will be available for eight (8) weeks, February 2 through March 27, 2009.  You can call 311 for more information.