December 30, 2008
What You Need to Know About the DTV Transition
Currently, many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital TV (DTV) formats. After
February 17, 2009,
full–power TV stations will broadcast only in digital. The DTV
transition will affect those who watch free over-the-air television
(through a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears”). If you watch over-the-air
programs on an analog TV, you must take action before February 17, 2009.
You have three choices:
1) Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box.
Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time
cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the boxes, the U.S. Government is
offering two $40 coupons per household. (Please note that these coupons
will expire 90 days after mailing). For more information on the
coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov,
or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Plus, you
should not need a new antenna if you get good quality reception on
analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna.
2) Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner). You
do notdigital
TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box).
Plus, you should not need a new antenna if you get good quality
reception on analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna.
3) 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.
For More Information:
1-888-CALL-FCC (Voice) DTV.gov
1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY)
need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a
DTV Transition and the Coupon Program
What is the digital television transition?
At
midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in
the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100%
digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a
clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves
for use by emergency responders.
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress
created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to
keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program
allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40,
that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A
converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb.
17, 2009, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
What are my options?
How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:
Call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system
1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Download a Coupon Application here.
Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634
(English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available
from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
Will the transition affect me?
You
will need to take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently
watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite
or other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner
or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive
TV programming as usual after the transition.
If you’re still unsure, answer these questions and we’ll let you know if you need a converter box.
Question 1.
Do you have a TV set in your household receiving broadcasts using an antenna, such as "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna?
Question 2.
Do you have a television with a built-in digital tuner?
Answer
You
do not need a TV converter box. Cable and satellite subscribers should
check with their providers before February 17, 2009 to see how they are
handling the transition. TVs connected to cable, satellite or other
pay TV service will not require a TV converter box from this program.
Answer
You
need a TV converter box. Since you receive your TV over-the-air, and do
not have a digital ready television, you will need a converter box to
receive television after February 17th, 2009. Click here if you'd like to apply for a coupon.
Answer
You
may need a TV converter box. The best way to determine whether your TV
set has a digital tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If
that’s not possible, you may be able to look up information about your
TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close look
at your TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your set has
an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced
Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).
Answer
You
do not need a TV converter box for this TV set. Your TV has a digital
tuner already built in and will likely continue to receive TV
programming as usual after the transition on February 17th, 2009. If
you have another TV set in your household that does not have a built-in
digital tuner, you will need a TV converter box for this TV to continue
to receive your programs after February 17th, 2009.
If you think you need a converter box, click here to apply for a coupon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To view the Federal Trade Commission's Guide for Consumers click here.
For a list of important terms related to the Digital Transition and the Coupon Program and their definitions, click here.
At
midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in
the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100%
digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture
and more channels and will free up airwaves for use by emergency
responders.
Analog
television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after
February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not
connected to a pay TV service need to take action now. Most consumers
who purchase a converter box today can connect it to their existing
television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television
immediately.
Consumers
have a variety of options. If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick
quiz to help you figure out what to do at www.DTVTransition.org. Options to explore include:
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A
converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb.
17, 2009, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
A
TV converter box is a new product that plugs into your analog TV and,
along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after
February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and
usually costs between $40 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite
or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this
program. For a list of TV converter boxes that can be purchased with
$40 government coupons, please click here.
Your coupons will also come with a list of nearby retailers—as well as
online and telephone retailers—that you should keep and use to find a
converter box.
Congress
created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to
keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program
allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40,
that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
Consumers can apply now for up to two $40 coupons per household by applying online,
by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), or by mailing their
application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be
mailed to eligible households and are good for 90 days from the date
they are mailed. Since most stations are already transmitting digital
broadcasts, consumers with older model televisions using an antenna to
receive their free channels can connect the converter box and begin to
enjoy the benefits of digital TV now.
When
the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of
nearby participating retailers as well as online and telephone
retailers. You can expect to buy TV converter boxes and use your
coupons at retail stores where you would normally buy consumer
electronics products. You can also click here to enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
Converter
boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front, depending on your
TV. You will still need your antenna, which works with the TV converter
box. Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions
from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box
using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific
questions, you should ask your retailer or call the manufacturer’s
technical support hotline. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and
installation video are available at www.DigitalTips.org (under the DTV/Video tab).
Broadcasters
are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to
consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters
require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing
experience. Once the DTV transition is completed, some television
channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for
emergency communication and others are being auctioned to companies to
provide new wireless services.
The
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part
of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter Box
Coupon Program at the direction of Congress.
You
will need to take action before February 17, 2009, if you currently
watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite
or other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner
or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will not need a converter box
from this Program.
What
you need to know is whether your TV set has something called a “digital
tuner” already built in. If it does, your TV set will receive digital
signals. The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital
tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If that’s not
possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on
the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close look at your
TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your set has an input
connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television
Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).
Here are some general guidelines that may help:
If you bought your TV set before 1998, it probably doesn’t have a
digital tuner at all. Almost every TV set made before 1998 was a
traditional “analog” set. If you bought a big-screen, projection TV
between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-in digital tuner inside. But
chances aren’t great. Only a limited percentage of projection TV sets
(and generally only those 42 inches in diameter or larger) included
digital tuners before 2004.
If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a
built-in digital tuner improve dramatically. Starting in 2004, many of
the TV sets sold at popular electronics stores feature digital tuners.
But it’s not a sure thing. Even some of the newer TV sets are purely
display monitors that lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up
digital broadcasts. Usually these sets have been advertised as
“HD-ready” or “HDTV monitor” sets. That means they can display digital
and high-definition signals, but they need help getting those signals
in the first place. You’ll still need a special converter or a cable TV
connection.
TVs
connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not require
a TV converter box from this program. Cable and satellite subscribers
should check with their providers to see whether there are or will be
any cable- or satellite-specific changes to their pay service.
Translator
and low-power television stations are not required to go all-digital
after February 17, 2009. Viewers of these broadcast stations should
contact their station for details. As these stations go digital,
consumers will need to take action to continue to receive their free
channels with an antenna. For a list of low-power stations in your
area, or more information on low-power television, visit www.LPTVanswers.com.
Analog
television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after
February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not
connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February
17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. Consumers have a
variety of options.
Options to explore include:
Keeping your existing analog TV and purchasing a TV converter
box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after
Feb. 17, 2009. It usually costs between $40 and $70, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick quiz to help you figure out your options at www.DTVTransition.org.
The list of certified retailers is available here.
Consumers will also receive a list of nearby participating retailers—as
well as online and telephone retailers—when they receive their coupons.
No,
you will not need to dispose of your analog TV after February 17, 2009.
If you receive your TV programs for free using an antenna—that is, your
TV set is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV
service—you can purchase a TV converter box and plug it into your
existing TV set to continue to receive TV programs after February 17,
2009. You can also use your existing television set and subscribe to a
pay TV service, such as a cable or satellite provider.
TVs
connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a
TV converter box from this program to receive programs after February
17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how
they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009. The Federal
Communications Commission has issued two very helpful consumer
advisories on the switch to digital for pay TV services at http://www.dtv.gov/publications.html.
You
should be able to receive digital television signals with your existing
broadcast antenna. If after you have installed your converter box you
are having reception problems using your existing antenna, you may want
to contact either your local broadcaster or the retail store where you
purchased the converter box. Troubleshooting advice can be found at www.antennaweb.org or via the Federal Communications Commission at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvantennas.html.
TV
converter boxes usually cost between $40 and $70. Each U.S. household
may request up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of converter
boxes. After applying the coupon, participating retailers will charge
consumers the remaining balance.
TV
converter boxes are available now at retailers where you would normally
buy consumer electronics products. Before shopping for your converter
box, you might want to call ahead to make sure retailers have converter
boxes available.
TV
converter box models must meet technical and performance standards
determined by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) in order to qualify for the Coupon Program. A
list of eligible make and model numbers for purchase with the coupon
can be found by clicking here.
See a complete list of eligible TV converter boxes here.
TV converter box features may vary depending on the brand; however all
models will allow your analog TV to continue to operate after February
17, 2009. The best way to get information on individual converter boxes
is to visit the manufacturer’s website—or ask a customer service
specialist at a store that sells them. Comparisons of some converter
box models are available online, including at www.ConsumerReports.org (search for “DTV converter box ratings”) and www.wikipedia.com (search for “Comparison of CECB units”).
No,
you should be able to install the converter box yourself using the
instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you
should call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline or ask your
retailer. The NTIA program does not provide technical support.
Generally
not. If a battery-powered TV is part of your emergency preparedness
plan, one solution is to purchase a battery-powered digital TV. If that
is a problem, make sure you have a battery-powered radio. Radio
stations also provide emergency information. In addition, a number of
TV stations simulcast their broadcasts on local radio stations.
Finally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
recommends the purchase of a NOAA Weather Radio, available at many
electronic and department stores. Broadcasting 24/7,
the NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous weather information, and
alerts listeners immediately to life threatening local severe storm
warnings, along with the latest hurricane advisories from the National
Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Local Statements from the National
Weather Service. For more information, see: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/radio.php.
The
analog equipment you currently use will continue to work with (output
to) your analog TV set just as before, but they will not be able to
receive over-the-air programming without the TV converter box. Attach
the converter to your VCR, TiVo, DVD-R, etc. instead of hooking it
directly to your TV.
Consumers
can begin enjoying the benefits of digital television today. Because
most full-power stations are currently broadcasting both in digital and
analog, viewers can plug in their converter boxes and generally receive
a clearer picture and more channels, where they are available.
No.
Analog televisions are not capable of displaying High-Definition
resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a TV
converter box. If you want to view High-Definition TV, then you will
need one of the newer sets rated for “High-Definition” resolution.
No.
Cable and other pay TV set-top boxes are not part of this Program.
Coupons from this Program can only be used towards the purchase of TV
converter boxes that work with TV sets receiving broadcast programming
over the air via an antenna.
Wilmington,
North Carolina, is a test market to see how the transition to digital
television works in a particular television coverage area in advance of
February 17, 2009. Commercial broadcasters in this market are turning
off their analog signals at noon on September 8, 2008. Viewers of
over-the-air television in this market need to act now to ensure they
do not lose television service on September 8, 2008.
These
brief tests allow TV viewers the opportunity to “diagnose” whether they
need to take action to prevent their TVs from losing programming after
February 17, 2009. For example, a local broadcast station might “pull
the plug” on its analog transmission for a short interval to allow
viewers to tune their TV sets into this channel to see whether they can
receive the broadcast. If their TV sets do not pick up the program,
then consumers would need to take the action necessary to ensure they
can receive a signal before the transition date.
Call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system
1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Download a Coupon Application here.
Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634
(English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available
from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
The contact center is accessible for hearing-impaired persons through a
TTY service. The contact center and website can help answer questions
you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, and checking the
status of your coupon request.
NTIA
is working with its partners to make applications available in the
places where it makes the most sense for each community. The easiest
way to apply is to apply online.
If you don’t have a computer, your local library probably has computer
terminals for public use, or you can call 1-888-388-2009.
Some
retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores.
Retailers, however, cannot provide the coupons; consumers must request
them from the Government. The decision to provide applications is up to
each retailer. The easiest way to apply is to apply online, or you can call 1-888-388-2009.
The
date you receive your coupon(s) will depend on when you submitted your
application. Click on this link to check the status of your request.
www.DTV2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx.
If you want to check the status of your specific application to see
whether your coupon(s) has been mailed, you can enter your reference
number, coupon ID or name and address on the appropriate form on the
same Web page.
Note that coupons expire 90 days after they have been mailed. The
expiration date is printed on the card. Coupons cannot be reissued if
they expire or are lost or stolen.
Coupons
look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely in the retail
industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons will carry no
stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV
converter boxes.
Yes,
but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to
all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an
additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that
solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna.
Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV
service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers
can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are
exhausted.
Each
household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be
applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can
be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.
The
TV converter box coupon application requires that you provide your
name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two)
and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television
service.
No.
Your personal information is protected under privacy laws and will not
be sold or used for other purposes other than administering the NTIA
Coupon Program.
Applicants
must meet the Census definition of a household as consisting of “all
persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of
rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters and
has a separate U.S. postal address.” A household is defined as separate
living quarters with a separate U.S. Postal address. This definition
includes all households located in U.S. Territories.
On April 24,
2008, NTIA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Request
for Comment in the Federal Register that proposes to waive the
“eligible household” and application requirements in section 47 C.F.R.
§ 301.3(e) for individuals residing in nursing homes or other senior
care facilities, subject to alternative application requirements. The
Agency is working expeditiously to complete this rulemaking.
The
government can mail coupons to Post Office boxes in areas without home
mail delivery. Post Office boxes will be accepted only for households
on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native villages and other rural areas.
The government may request additional information to validate the
physical location of these households.
No.
The government will provide a list of coupon-eligible converter boxes
and participating retailers here. You may also ask participating
retailers whether TV converter boxes in their stores can be purchased
with the $40 government coupon.
No.
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is not a rebate program. Coupons
must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time
TV converter boxes are purchased.
It
is instantly deactivated and cannot be used again. Stores may keep them
or you can throw them away. You should keep your receipt and a record
of your coupon number in case you decide to exchange or return the
converter box.
No.
Coupons cannot be reissued. If you have requested one coupon, you may
be eligible to receive another. If both coupons have been lost or
stolen, or you have requested both coupons, used one, and the other
coupon is lost or stolen, by law we are unable to reissue coupon
replacements. While it is illegal to sell coupons, giving a coupon for
free to a family member, friend, or neighbor is not prohibited under
Program regulations.
Yes.
Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However, only two
coupons can be issued per household regardless of the number of
occupants or families.
Retailers
that are not participating in the Coupon Program will not be able to
accept the coupons. Only retailers certified by the NTIA will accept
the coupons. A list of certified retailers in your area can be found here.
Please
allow three weeks after you applied before contacting us to check on
the status of your application if you have not received your coupons.
You can check the status of your request online at www.DTV2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx.
You
will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount, but
you can receive cash or credit for any amount you paid out of pocket,
if the store policy permits returns or exchanges.
If
a consumer requests only one coupon and it expires before it is used,
then they can apply for a second coupon. Once two coupons have been
issued to that household, the consumer will no longer be eligible to
request any more coupons. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.
No.
Coupons are only valid for eligible converter boxes. The intent of the
program is to allow consumers to continue to view TV over-the-air on
the same TV they used prior to the transition, not to enable upgrades
in technology.
Coupons
expire 90 days after they are mailed and will have the expiration date
printed on the coupon. The last day to apply for coupons is March 31,
2009, or until supplies are exhausted.
No,
the coupon can only be used for the price of an eligible converter box.
Consumers will not get change back. If the converter box is priced
below $40, then consumers will only pay any applicable sales tax.
The
consumer may pay the difference with any other form of payment
acceptable to the retailer. Two coupons may not be combined towards the
purchase of a single converter box.
Consumers
may purchase as many converter boxes as they choose. However, a single
coupon can only be used to purchase one coupon-eligible converter box.
If the consumer decides to purchase additional converter boxes, they
must pay the full cost.
Yes.
The amended regulation permits residents of state-licensed nursing
homes, intermediate care facilities and assisted-living facilities to
apply for and receive one $40 coupon, which may be redeemed toward the
purchase of an NTIA-certified converter box. Applicants must use a
special mail-in application, which is available (in English and
Spanish) on the Coupon Program homepage (www.DTV2009.gov).
NTIA
has used established definitions to describe the facilities that are
now eligible to receive one coupon for each resident who makes a valid
request. Facilities must be licensed by the state and applicants may be
asked to provide proof for eligibility purposes. See page 54333 of the
regulations for definitions: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2008/Nursing_Home_PO_Box_Final_Rule.pdf.
Residents
or their caregivers must fill out the special application and mail it
to P.O. Box 2530, Portland, OR 97208-2530. Consumers can download the
special nursing home application
or request an application by writing to us at P.O. Box 2530, Portland,
OR 97208-2530. Please be sure to specify that you would like the
nursing home application, not the regular application, used by
household residents.
Coupon applications from nursing home residents cannot be completed through the toll-free hotline or via the website.
A
caregiver or an administrator of a state-licensed facility may fill out
an application on behalf of a resident who may need special assistance.
The application provides instructions to administrators who wish to
apply for more than one resident.
Applicants
who believe they have been denied in error can appeal the decision by
providing proof, such as a copy of the facility’s state license, that
the institution is a nursing home, an intermediate care facility or an
assisted-living facility as defined in the regulations. Appeals should
be addressed care of the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program, P.O. Box
2530, Portland, OR 97208-2530.
The National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the
U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Federal government agency in charge
of administering the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. More information
on the NTIA can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov.
Often
called an ATSC receiver or HDTV tuner, allows reception of digital
television (DTV) signals broadcast over-the-air by TV stations. May be
integrated into a television, VCR, digital video recorder, or set-top
box.
The
umbrella term used for the new broadcasting system that uses computer
code to transmit pictures and sounds. DTV includes all types of digital
broadcasting, including High and Standard Definition television,
datacasting and multicasting.
All
of the people who occupy a housing unit. A housing unit is a house, an
apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room occupied
as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in
which the occupants live separately from any other people in the
building and that have direct access from the outside of the building
or through a common hall.
A
stand-alone device that connects to a television and an external source
of signal, turning the signal into content which is then displayed on
the television screen.
The basic digital television format closest in quality to traditional analog TV.
Nursing Home Application
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled as
funds from expiring coupons become available. If you would like to
apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be placed on a
waiting list and will receive coupons on a first-come-first-served
basis as funds from expiring coupons become available.
Residents of licensed nursing homes, intermediate care
facilities, and assisted living facilities are eligible to request
coupons from the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Residents must use
the special Nursing Home application form.
If
you are a resident of a licensed nursing home, intermediate care
facility or assisted living facility, you may apply for one coupon
using the application on this page. A family member or a representative
from the licensed facility may apply for one coupon for a nursing home
resident, but the coupon will be mailed directly to the nursing home
resident.
To address the possibility of waste, fraud and
abuse, the Coupon Program will be vigilant and will deny applications
that appear to be fraudulent. The address of each applicant will be
checked against a third-party database to assist in validating
eligibility.
A TV
translator station rebroadcasts the programs of a full-power TV
broadcast station. Translator stations typically serve communities that
cannot receive the signals of free over-the-air TV stations because
they are too far away from a full-power TV station or because of
geography (such as uneven terrain or mountains). Many translator
stations operate in mountainous or more remote areas of the country.
Low-power television (LPTV) stations usually provide a
locally-oriented or specialized television service in the communities
they serve. These communities may be in rural areas or may be
individual communities within larger urban areas.
For more information on low-power stations please visit www.lptvanswers.com.
If
you are watching a full-power station (such as channel 13) but tune
your TV to another channel (such as channel 23) to receive it, you are
watching a translator. A translator also has its channel number in the
middle of its call letters (such as K37ZZ).
An LPTV station identifies itself on-the-air with the name of its
community of license. The call letters of low-power stations usually
end in -CA or -LP (for example, WUYX-CA, KQTY-LP), although sometimes
the call letters are in the same format as a translator station (such
as W37AA).
For more information on low-power stations please visit www.lptvanswers.com.
Currently
there is no requirement for translators and low-power stations to
convert to digital. While some LPTV and translator stations will
convert to digital by February 17, 2009, others will transition after
February 2009, and many will continue to broadcast in analog until
required to change by the FCC.
For more information on low-power stations please visit www.lptvanswers.com.
LPTV
stations broadcast a locally-oriented program service, and many will be
notifying viewers of their digital conversion plans.
Because translators rebroadcast the programming of a full-service
station, they will broadcast many messages regarding the conversion of
the full-power station. These messages may be confusing to viewers if
the translator does not also plan to convert to digital by February 17,
2009.
Check
information sources in your local community regarding the digital
conversion plans of the translators and/or low-power stations you
watch. NTIA will work with translators and LPTV stations to help them
inform the public of their digital conversion plans through local
newspapers and other media, civic organizations, schools and community
groups.
For more information on low-power stations please visit www.lptvanswers.com.
Review the following options and determine which is best for your household:
Keep an analog TV connected to an antenna to view an analog station.
Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box which has analog
pass-through capability. For an updated listing of coupon eligible
approved converters with analog pass-through, click here and look for the boxes with the asterisk (*).
Analog pass-through allows you to watch analog television stations as well as digital television through the converter box.
Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box without analog
pass-through, and then add a splitter or A/B switch to receive both
analog and digital signals.
Purchase a digital television set. All new television sets on the market can receive both analog and digital stations.
Subscribe to a local cable television or other pay service which carries the analog station, if any.
Since many translators and low-power stations will convert to digital
after February 17, 2009, you may want to consider applying for TV
converter box coupons between now and March 31, 2009, because after
that date, coupons will no longer be available.
For more information on low-power stations please visit www.lptvanswers.com.
You
should be able to continue to receive analog stations with your
existing antenna. However, because many digital stations will change
their broadcast channel (for example, from Ch. 5 to Ch. 25), you may
need a new antenna to receive some digital stations.
If you need
a new antenna, the following Consumer Electronics Association website
provides information to help you choose an antenna to receive the
stations you want: www.antennaweb.org.
Locate a Converter Box Retailer near you
Certified
converter boxes are available from both national and local retailers.
Call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes
on the day you plan to shop.
National Retailers
Converter boxes can be purchased at any of these national retailers currently participating in the program:
Best Buy
Circuit City
Kmart
RadioShack
Sears
Target
Wal-Mart
Locate participating national retailers in your area by completing the form below.
Online and Telephone Retailers
Converter boxes can also be purchased online or by telephone and can be shipped directly to your home.
Best Buy DTV Hotline and Order Center at 1-877-BBY-DTV9 (1-877-229-3889)
Circuit City at 888-280-9382
DISH Network at 888-638-9912
Etronics at 1-800-323-7669
Fingerhut at 1-888-301-5606
iNet Access at 877-388-7010
Online Electronics Liquidation at 800-717-1635
RadioShack DTV Telephone Order Center at 1-877-RS-DTV-4U (1-877-773-8848)
Satellite Radio Superstore at 800-513-8554
Solid Signal at 1-866-3SIGNAL (1-866-374-4625)
Locate Retailers Near You
To locate a converter box retailer in your local area, please supply the following information.
*Items marked with an asterisk are required.
-
Try your converter box as soon as you get it home to start watching
digital television immediately and to troubleshoot potential problems.
The web sites below offer help in identifying and solving potential
issues. If you are having problems with reception, call your local
broadcast station. For general information about the DTV transition,
visit www.DTV.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC
(TTY).
www.dtv.gov - DTV related consumer resources, outreach tools, publications, news, and more can be found here.
www.digitaltips.org
- A valuable resource provided by the Consumer Electronics Association,
has a handy "Quick Start Guide" to install a TV Converter Box and other
useful tools.
www.dtvanswers.com
- DTV Answers offers more information about television’s switch to
digital, including resources to help choose an antenna, converter box
details, videos, and more.
www.ceretailers.org - Visit the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition and download a special “Consumer Guide” on the DTV Transition.
www.dtvtransition.org - Take an online quiz to find out if you are ready for the DTV Transition or access an extensive list of online DTV resources.
www.getreadyfordigitaltv.com - Useful information and television spots brought to you by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.
www.ncta.com - The National Cable & Telecommunications Association website.
www.lptvanswers.com
- A helpful resource on low-power television stations. Find low-power
stations in your area and download a guide to low-power issues.
These
NTIA-approved CECBs currently are available in retail stores, according
to manufacturers and retailers. Consumers should call ahead to
retailers to make sure that the boxes are in stock.
Access HD DTA1020D
Access HD DTA1020U
AccessHD DTA1010D
AccessHD DTA1010U
AccessHD DTA1020AD
*
AccessHD DTA1030D
*
AccessHD DTA1050D
*
AccessHD DTA1080D
*
AccessHD DTA1080U
*
Airlink101 ATVC102
*
Airlink101® ATVC101
ALPHA DIGITAL AT2016
AMTC AT2001
Apex DT1001
APEX DT250
*
APEX DT502
*
APEX DTA250A
*
Artec T3A
Artec T3AP
*
Artec T3AP Pro
*
Artec T3APro
CADENCE DTVC-9
CASTi CAX-03
*
Channel Master CM-7000
Cleartech CT DCB100A
*
Coby DTV-102
*
ComponexX CX-900A
*
COSHIP N9900T
COSHIP N9901T
*
COSHIP N9988T
CRAIG CVD508
*
CRAIG Electronics International Ltd. CVD506
*
DIGITAL STEAM DSP6500C
*
DIGITAL STREAM DSP7500T
DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700P
*
DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700T
*
DIGITAL STREAM DTX9900
DIGITAL STREAM DTX9900D
DIGITAL STREAM DTX9950
*
DIGITAL STREAM DX8700
*
Dish Network DISH Network DTVPal Plus
*
DISH Network DTVPal
*
DISH NETWORK TR-40CRA by Dish Network
*
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