All channels in United States will be broadcasting in digital signal starting June 12, 2009. It was announced two years ago. The initial deadline for the transition was set for Feb 17, 2009 but was later delayed by the U.S. Congress to June 12, 2009. Since the announcement, selling analog TV sets in the U.S. is illegal. So if you have recently purchased a TV set then you should be fine. However if you have an old TV set and are not ready yet to trash it; this post can be very handy for you. If you have old TV set that receives TV signal from an indoor or outdoor antenna, you must buy one of these converter boxes to view TV channels starting June 12, 2009. This applies to all fifty states in the U.S.
What is DTV?
Digital Television (DTV) is an advanced broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. It can also offer multiple programming choices, called multicasting, and interactive capabilities.
What should I do?
You can buy new TV set with digital tuner or buy converter boxes that converts digital signal to analog for your old TV sets. U.S government is giving our coupons in the amount of $40, two per household. You can order them online (http://www.dtv2009.gov) or by calling this number 1-888-388-2009.
Where can I buy converter boxes?
Most of the local electronic stores carry these DTV boxes including Walmart, Best Buy, Frys, etc. The price of these boxed however vary from $40 to $70. So if the local store has a box that costs more than $40, you will have to pay the difference.
How long do I have?
The analog signal transmission ends on June 12, 2009. Your TV will display nothing after that unless you are subscribed to a cable transmission.
When can I order the coupons?
Between January 1, 2008, and July 31, 2009, all U.S. households are eligible to request coupons for the digital converter boxes.
Here’s a video from the FCC that explains about DTV transition:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Zngl83Fng
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For more information please visit: http://www.dtv.gov
To order your coupons online now: http://www.dtv2009.gov
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