Get Ready for Digital TV
Everyone who owns a television needs to know about the big change coming to our television sets.
By February 17, 2009, all television stations will stop sending out program signals on their analog channels. If you already have a digital TV or if you have cable or satellite service you most likely don't need to do anything. The change to DTV will mean a better quality television picture and more channel options. Check with your cable or satellite service provider to see if and when they'll be providing any new equipment.
If you have an older set and use rabbit ears or an outside antenna, your TV won't work after February 17 unless you act to: 1) get a special converter box that will make your analog set work, 2) subscribe to a cable, satellite or other pay service for all the sets in your home, or buy a new TV that will receive digital signals.
Buying a New Television
If you are shopping for a new television in the next few months, you'll want to get a set that you know will work when the change is made to digital-only signals. All newly manufactured TVs must include digital tuners. But any analog sets still in inventory may be sold. The TV on super sale may be marked down because it won't work next year.
Getting a Converter Box
Starting now you can get a coupon that will cut $40 off the cost of the converter box. You can get up to two coupons.
You can apply for the coupon online.
Or call to request the coupon (s):1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
TTY English 1-877-302-2634
TTY Spanish 1-866-495-1161
You can also download a paper form (PDF). Mail the form to
TV Converter Box CouponP.O. Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208
or fax it to 1-877-DTV- 4ME2.
Once you receive your coupon you have to use it within 90 days.
You can purchase the box from a retail store, like Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, or Wal-Mart. You can easily find the store nearest you. Call ahead to make sure a coupon-eligible box is in stock.
This box that sits on top of your TV changes digital signals coming over the air from the television station to analog format that your set can use. Keep in mind that every analog set in your house, unless it is connected to cable or satellite, will need a converter box. If you already use a roof-top or rabbit-ears antenna, the same antenna should work with the converter box.
AARP Resources
HDTV Pre-Purchase DecisionsThere are lots of things to think about before you purchase that flat panel high definition television.
Additional Resources
TV Converter Box CouponsThe National Telecommunications and Information Administration is responsible for administering the coupon program. Over 7 million coupons have already been requested.
What Every Consumer Should Know (Adobe Acrobat required)The Federal Communications Commission has more information about the transition to digital TV.
National Association of BroadcastersTelevision as We Know it is About to Change