On June 12, 2009, all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels.

What is the Digital Television (DTV) Transition?

The DTV Transition is the nationwide termination of traditional analog television broadcasting which is, scheduled to occur on June 12, 2009, at midnight. Analog television broadcasting is the current method of transmitting television signals throughout the United States. Digital television is a new method of television broadcasting which provides much better picture and sound quality than analog television.

The DTV Transition provides viewers a better television experience and in broader ways it will benefit the public. The digital television signal is more efficient than the analog signal and that's why the DTV Transition will free up major portions of the airwaves for public safety communications such as police, fire and emergency rescue, and new broadband wireless services.

Will my analog television set still work after the DTV Transition?

Yes, provided that certain steps are taken. If you have an analog television set and receive television service by means of an over-the-air antenna (rabbit ears), you will need to attach a small digital-to-analog converter box to your television. If you have an analog television set which is connected to cable or satellite, those service providers will make sure that your television set receives a viewable image. If you have a digital television set, your television is ready for the DTV Transition.

Analog television sets also should continue to work as they have with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products.

What do I need to get ready?

If you currently watch over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears," take action now to ensure you have continuous coverage:

Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box
Your local broadcasters may make the transition before the June 12th deadline, and some already have. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the converter boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. Because it typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons, consumers who apply now may not receive their coupons in time for the June 12th deadline.

Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner)
You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box). Depending on the signal strength of the DTV channels some consumers may need to move their existing antenna or purchase a new antenna to improve reception. You can learn more at http://www.antennaweb.org.

Subscribe to a paid TV service
If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition. Cable companies are not required to transition or switch any of their channels to digital. However, if you have an analog TV that does not receive local broadcast stations through your paid provider, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on that TV.

How do I get my coupons?

To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov. There is also a 24-hour hotline to take requests at, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Applications can also be mailed to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be amiled to requesters. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009 or until the funds are exhausted.

Where can I use my coupon to purchase a converter box?

There are more than 25,000 participating retailers, including seven of the largest nationalconsumer electronics retail chains, and more than 35 online and phone retailers. A complete list and a searchable database of retailers by zip code is available at https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby participating retailers. Consumers should investigate their options and call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes on teh day you plan to shop.

For More Information:
•    Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (Voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY)
•    DTV Made Easy (.pdf) >>
•    Freqsuently Asked Question >>
•    Visit the website www.dtv.gov >>
•    Learn how to install your converter box (.pdf )>>
•    Visit DTVanswers.com to watch a video on how to install your converter box >>