Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-Texas) is urging Texans to beginning planning now for the digital television transition, which will occur just two months from today.

On February 17, 2009, all U.S. television stations will begin broadcasting exclusively digital signals. Not only will this change provide viewers with a higher quality picture and sound, it will also provide emergency responders and wireless communications systems around the country with much needed signal bandwidth.

“With this transition rapidly approaching, it is important that Texans take steps immediately to determine whether their television will require a converter box,” said Brady.  “Texans with satellite or cable service will not need one, but Texans who rely on ‘rabbit ears’ or rooftop antennas will need to apply for the coupon and purchase a converter box before February 17th if they wish to continue receiving television signals.”

Most television sets will not receive digital transmissions without the aid of a special converter box, cable or satellite connection. To assist consumers who receive their television signal via antennas, the federal government is offering every American household two $40 coupons to assist in the purchase of a digital converter box. Again, consumers who receive television signals through cable, satellite, or other paid provider do not need a converter box, but they may still wish to contact their cable and satellite providers to verify how they plan to handle the transition.

Texans can apply for the $40 converter coupon in one of four ways:
            ��          On the internet at http://www.dtv2009.gov;
            ��          By Calling the DTV 24-hour hotline, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009),
                        TTY 1-877-530-2634;
            ��          By mailing the DTV coupon application (available at www.dtv2009.gov, or by calling
                        my office) to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000; or
            ��          By faxing the DTV coupon application (available at www.dtv2009.gov, or by calling
                        my office) to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

These coupons expire after 90 days, so it is important that consumers act soon after receiving it.