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(Washington, DC) - Today, television stations across the nation will go digital. Everyone will still have access to the same T.V. programs, but analog television sets that are not connected to a converter box, cable, or satellite will stop working. The transition creates better sound and picture quality for all televisions, and it is critical to free up airwaves for enhanced emergency communications for our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.
Watch this Instructional Video on How to Set Up Your TV
What do I need to do to get ready?
If you currently watch over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears," take action now to ensure you have continuous coverage:
Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box
Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the converter boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. Because it typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons, consumers who apply now may not receive their coupons in time for the June 12th deadline.
- Click here to apply for a coupon online, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY)
- Click here to find a retailer in your area that sells the TV converter box
Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner)
You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box). Depending on the signal strength of the DTV channels some consumers may need to move their existing antenna or purchase a new antenna to improve reception.
Subscribe to a paid TV service
If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition. Cable companies are not required to transition or switch any of their channels to digital. However, if you have an analog TV that does not receive local broadcast stations through your paid provider, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on that TV.
If you have a converter box, a digital television, or subscribe to a paid TV service such as cable or satellite TV, you're ready for the transition!
For More Information:
- Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (Voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY)
- Visit the website www.dtv.gov
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