DIGITAL TV

BACKGROUND.

On February 17, 2009, all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and continue broadcasting in digital only. This is known as the "DTV Transition." Standard analog TV sets, using an external antenna and not connected to a paid cable TV or satellite service, will not be able to receive a signal after February 17, 2009. This may impact your ability to receive televised information during an emergency.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSUMERS

• "The end of analog broadcasting does not mean that consumers must purchase new digital TV sets, and you don't need a high definition television (HDTV) to watch digital broadcasts.
• If you currently receive over-the-air programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, either through "rabbit ears" on your set or an antenna on your roof, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box (requires electric power) to continue watching broadcast television on that set after February 17, 2009. These boxes will cost approximately $40 to $70, and are now available in local electronic stores.
• If you subscribe to a paid television service such as cable or satellite TV, you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box, and the TVs connected to your paid service will continue to receive local broadcast programming.
• In preparation for the "DTV Transition" you can request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. You should request the coupons several months before the actual transition date, to ensure you're prepared to receive the digital signal early next year. For more information on the coupon program, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

PREPARATION FOR EMERGENCIES

Before February 17, 2009

• For the 2008 hurricane season, you don't need to do anything regarding your TV that uses an external antenna to receive local programming. Your TV will continue to work, using the external antenna, until February 17, 2009.
• In case you lose power during or after a storm or other emergency, be sure to have plenty of fully charged batteries in your emergency supply kit for battery operated TVs. Your battery operated TV will be able to receive an analog TV signal until February, 2009. After that date, your battery operated TV will no longer receive a TV signal.
  

After February 17, 2009

• Your standard analog TV that uses an external antenna will no longer receive local TV programming. By this date, you should have purchased a digital-to-analog converter box (requires electric) from a local electronics store. Don't forget to use the $40 "DTV Transition" coupon towards the purchase of the converter box.
• If you have a battery operated TV in your emergency supply kit, it will no longer be able to receive local TV programming. In order to receive important emergency information, if there is a power outage, you will need to either purchase a new battery operated digital TV or use a battery operated radio.
  

Updated August 2008

Back to Table of Contents