Entry bubble Digital TV Transition

By: Sommer | January 11, 2008 | Category: General

By now, you've probably heard that on February 17, 2009, television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Last week, the Consumer Electronics Association reported that half of American households had purchased a digital TV to date. However, if you’re one of the more than 14 million households that rely on analog, over-the-air signals to watch TV you’ll need to take action before February 2009.

Let’s find out how the switch will affect you.

Do you own: Get your programming from: By Feb 17, 2009 you’ll need:
Analog TV Over-the-air or an antenna A Digital-to-Analog Converter box or to purchase a digital TV
Analog TV Cable, satellite, or other paid service You DO NOT need a converter box. Contact your service provider.
Digital or High Definition TV Over-the-air or an antenna Do nothing
Digital or High Definition TV Cable, satellite, or other paid service You DO NOT need a converter box. Contact your service provider.


If you need a converter box, the government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program can help you save money. Here’s how it works:

  • Each household can apply for two coupons but you can only use one coupon per converter box.Digital TV
  • Apply for the coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 2009, while supplies last, in one of four ways:
    • Apply online
    • Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634. (Operators in 7 languages: English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese)
    • Download a coupon application and mail it to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
    • Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

Fine print:

  • The converter boxes will be available in February or March 2008 through designated retailers and are expected to cost between $50 and $70 each.
  • The coupons expire after three months – don’t let your coupons expire because you can’t get more than two.
  • Only certain converter box models qualify for the coupon. The DTV2009.gov list will expand in the coming months so keep checking the website for more information.
  • There are a limited number of coupons available so order yours soon to make sure you get one.

Take a quiz to see if you’re ready for the DTV transition.

Then, take another quiz to become a DTV deputy so you’re qualified to teach your friends and family all they need to know about the transition.

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