Digital TV Transition & TV Converter Box Coupon Program

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At Midnight ET on February 17, 2009, all full-power TV stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. After the switch, analog TV sets receiving free channels using an antenna will only be able to pick up local, low-powered stations — those not required by the FCC to transition to a digital signal. So, if you own a TV set that only has an analog tuner and you’re not connected to cable, satellite, or another pay TV service, you’ll need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure your TV set continues to receive network programming.

You have a variety of options:

• Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a converter box
• Connect to cable, satellite, or another pay service
• Purchase a newer TV with a digital tuner

Congress created the Digital TV Transition and TV Converter Box Coupon Program for people who want to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The program allows eligible U.S. households to get up to two coupons, each worth $40, which they can apply toward the cost of qualified converter boxes.

To apply for your coupons, you can call 1-888-388-2009 (TTY number is 1-877-530-2634) or go online at www.dtv2009.gov. Please note that coupons are not available to households with cable TV service and other government restrictions may also apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the coupon(s) in the mail (they’ll look similar to a credit card). You’ll then have 90 days from the postmark of the mailing to redeem the coupon(s).