Do you have a television set in your home that works with the help of “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna? If so, you’ll need to prepare for an important change in broadcasting coming in February 2009. On February 17, 2009 television broadcasting is moving from an old standard - known as analog - to a new standard called digital (DTV). After February 17, 2009 you can continue to watch free television and your favorite ThinkTV programs but only if you have a digital television set or a converter box.

Here’s some information that should help you identify what you need to do to be ready for the digital switch on February 17, 2009:

If all of your TV sets are connected to cable, satellite or another pay service, check with your provider to find out how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009.
If at least one of your television sets is not hooked up to cable, satellite or a pay service you must take action before February 17, 2009 in order to continue to receive a broadcast signal. Your options include:         

• Buy a converter box that will plug into your analog TV.

• Buy a TV with a digital tuner.

• Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

Converter Box

A converter box is a one-time purchase that will allow you to use your analog TV after February 17, 2009.  The Federal Government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of certified TV converter boxes.  Coupons are free, but supply is limited.  Coupon applications will be accepted beginning January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.  You can apply for your converter box coupons by:

• Phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

• TTY: 1-877-530-2634

• Online Form: www.DTV2009.gov

• Mail: PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208

• Fax: 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
  
  
  
  

With your coupons you will also receive:

• Instructions for using the coupons.

• A list of coupon eligible certified TV converter boxes.

• A list of retailers where you can use the coupon to buy a certified TV converter box.

• Frequently asked questions about using the coupon.

Coupons expire after 90 days and cannot be reissued so review your information packet as soon as you receive it.

Your coupon will look and work like a plastic gift card.  Coupons can be used at the participating retailers listed in your information packet.