Jan 3rd 2008, 18:56

Get Coupons to Buy an Analog TV Converter

TV broadcasts will be all-digital by 2009

Did you know that at midnight on February 17, 2009, all U.S. TV broadcasts will be in digital format? This means that if you have analog TV and receive TV signals via an antenna, you either need to switch to digital TV or get a TV converter--or else you can't watch any more shows, nothing at all, after February 17, 2009.

Analog vs. Digital

Television broadcasting is switching to all-digital because digital TV signals transmit better pictures and sound more efficiently. This is the same technology behind computers and advanced telecommunication systems. The analog format is an older technology that uses radio frequencies that are not as good in transmitting high-quality signals.

The digital TV transition will free up these radio frequencies for other uses. Some analog channels will be reserved for use in emergency communication by fire and police departments. The rest of the analog broadcast space will be auctioned off to private companies for delivering new wireless services.

TV Converter Box Coupon Program

To help millions of American households make the transition, the federal government launched the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Through this program, your household can request for up to two coupons, worth $40 each, for use in buying a TV converter box if you do not want to replace your analog TV.

These coupons can be used at participating retailers to pay part of the converter box cost. You pay for the remaining balance, which may range from $10 to $30. Eligible TV converter boxes may cost between $50 to $70. A list of participating stores and eligible TV converter boxes can be found at the program website: https://www.dtv2009.gov/

Please note that if your analog TV is connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service, you don't need a TV converter box and don't have to apply for this program. However, you are encouraged to contact your service provider to know what effect the digital TV transition will have on their services.

You have over a year to take action. The coupons are available between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, while supplies last. Get your coupons through any of the following:

• Call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).
• Apply online at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx
• Mail your application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

The coupons will be mailed to you. If you need more information or assistance, you can call 1-888-DTV-2009 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

How to tell if your TV is analog or digital

You can do the following:

1. First, take a look at your TV owner's manual. It should tell you if your TV set has a built-in digital tuner.

2. If this information is not available, the next thing you can do is to visit your TV manufacturer's website and look up information about your TV set.

3. Inspect your TV set and find out if it has an input connection that says "digital input" or "ATSC" (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).

This timeline also may be of help to you:

• TV sets manufactured before 1998: these are traditional "analog" sets.

• Big-screen, projection TVs bought between 1998 and 2004: a limited number may have a built-in digital tuner inside; generally would be only those sets that are 42 inches in diameter or larger).

• New TV sets bought since 2004: Most likely have digital tuners that will work after February 17, 2009, but you'll need to check twice. Some of the newer TV sets--usually advertised as "HD-ready" or "HDTV monitor" sets--can display digital high-definition images but lack the ability to pick up digital signals. These sets will still need a special converter or a cable TV connection.

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