What You Should Know About the Digital Television Transition
As many of you are aware, after February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only. This means that people with analog TVs that use either rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna to view their sets will need to take action in order to continue watching their TV sets.
Your options:
1. - Purchase a DTV converter box:
Beginning January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to apply for
a maximum of two (2) coupons, each worth $40.
Apply by Phone: (888) 388-2009
Apply by Fax: (877) 388-4632
Apply By Mail: Post Office Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208
Apply On-Line: www.DTV2009.gov
The coupons may be applied only towards the purchase of converter boxes which are expected to cost around $60.
Once the coupons are issued they will expire after 90 days of issuance.
Latino consumers that require a coupon should request them promptly (during the first phase of the coupon distribution) to avoid additional requirements that will take effect once the initial $890 million in federal funds are depleted.
Request for coupons during the second phase of coupon distribution will be limited to households that receive only over-the-air television and will require an added certification requirement for the coupon seeker.
The DTV converter boxes will be available at participating retailers in late February-early March, 2008.
2. - Subscribe to a video service provider:
If you have an analog TV set you can also subscribe to a cable, satellite or telephone company video service provider to continue using their analog TV sets. In other words, if someone already has cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider they do not need to do anything regarding the DTV transition even if they have an analog television set. However, if in the future they disconnect this service, they will need a converter box for their analog television.
3. - Purchase a Digital TV set:
The third option is to purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. All televisions with a digital tuner are able to receive digital signals broadcast by television stations. This of course is the most expensive option, and although it is not necessary, it is still a viable option nonetheless.
For more information about the DTV Transition and the Coupon Program please go to: www.dtvtransition.org
News
1. NHMC Testifies before congress on the Digital Television TransitionVideosLos Angeles, CA --- Today, Alex Nogales President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) testified on the Status of the Digital Television Transition at the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
1. Alex Nogales Talks about The Digital Television Transition
Related Documents
1. NHMC DTV Senate Statement
2. NHMC Press Release on DTV Transition
3. DTV Transition Fact Sheet
Links
1. www.dtv2009.org
2. www.dtvanswers.com