One last warning: Digital television transition deadline is June 12

By June 12, all full-power broadcast television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and to continue broadcasting in digital only.

This is known as the digital television (DTV) transition. Local broadcasters may make the transition before then, and some have. The DTV transition is an historic moment in the evolution of TV. Broadcast television stations can offer viewers improved picture and sound quality and new programming choices. Since digital is more efficient than analog, it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time. This means broadcasters can offer consumers more programming choices.

All-digital broadcasting is also expected to improve public safety communications and will usher in a new era of advanced wireless services, such as the widespread deployment of wireless broadband. Viewers who receive local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV are already prepared for the DTV transition.

However, those who still have an analog TV without a paid provider will need a “digital-to-analog converter box” to watch digital broadcasts.

Viewers with a digital television are ready for the switch.

For those with an analog television with a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears,“ the digital-to-analog converter box is a device that will convert the digital signals from a broadcast station to an analog format that your analog television can display. Also, if your existing antenna receives a good quality signal on VHF and UHF analog channels, it should work for receiving digital channels as well.

This is true both for an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box and for a digital television.

Digital-to-analog converter boxes are available in stores that sell electronics equipment and through various online mail order retailers. The cost for a basic converter box is between $40 and $70. This is a one-time cost.

The federal government is offering each U.S. household up to two $40 coupons that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. The “TV
Converter Box Coupon Program” is being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is part of the Department of Commerce.

The number of coupons available is limited, so you should apply now. Call the Coupon Program’s 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 for information or visit http://www.dtv.gov.