- What Happens on February 17, 2009?
- Why Is Digital TV Better?
- How Does the DTV Switch Affect You?
- What Do You Have to Do to Prepare for DTV?
- What Kind of Problems Might Occur?
- The DTV Transition: Facts at a Glance
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What Do You Have to Do to Prepare for DTV?
Once again, let's stress that if you receive your television programming via cable or satellite service, you don't have to do anything to prepare for the DTV switch. The switch only affects broadcast television, not cable or satellite. Cable and satellite programming will continue as-is, no changes necessary.
If you receive your television using a set top or outdoor antenna, however, you do have to prepare for the change. You can do one of three things:
- Purchase a set-top digital-to-analog converter box. This set-top box will convert the new digital signals to analog format for your older TV. A converter box should set you back between $40 and $80, although you might also have to invest in a new antenna or reposition your existing antenna to receive the new signals.
- Disconnect your antenna and subscribe to either a cable or satellite TV service. These services transmit their programming digitally, and use set-top converter boxes to convert the digital signals to analog format for older TVs. This option carries with it a continuing monthly cost, anywhere from $20 to more than $100 per month, depending on the programming package you select.
- Get rid of your old TV and purchase a new DTV set. This is the most expensive option, at least in the short term, but it might be one you want to do anyway—especially if you opt for a higher-quality HDTV set to view the new high-definition programming sent via digital transmission.
For most viewers with antenna television, the first option is the best—and the least expensive. You can purchase a digital converter box at most stores that sell TVs and other consumer electronics products, such as Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Wal-Mart. Just connect the converter box between your existing antenna and your TV, and it will convert the new digital signals to the older analog format that your current TV can receive.
And, to make the DTV transition easier for viewers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making available a $40 rebate coupon to use toward the purchase of a digital converter box. Every household in the U.S. is eligible for two such coupons, to use with two different TVs.
When you use one of these rebate coupons, you effectively reduce the price of a digital converter box by $40. So, for example, if you purchase a converter box for $69 and then receive a $40 rebate, your net cost for the converter box is just $29. That's not bad!
How do you get your $40 coupons? The best approach is to go to the TV Converter Box Coupon Program website and fill in the online form. You can also call the Coupon Program 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) for more information.