Consumer Info
Do I even need a Digital TV Converter Box?
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.
What the heck does that mean?
If you’re still unsure, answer these questions to figure out 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?
If NO:
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.
If YES, then:
Question 2.
Do you have a television with a built-in digital tuner?
If NO:
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 learn how to apply for a coupon.
If UNSURE:
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).
If YES:
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 for information about how to apply for a coupon.
Source: DTV2009.gov
Information for Consumers:
- The Coupon Program will receive coupon requests beginning January 1, 2008.
- Consumers will be able to apply for their coupons through a Web site, via a toll-free number, or by mail.
- Households will be able to apply for a maximum of two (2) coupons, each worth $40. Coupons will be mailed to eligible households and will expire after 90 days of issuance.
- Coupons will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis to all U.S. households until $890 million has been expended.
- If these initial funds are exhausted, an additional $450 million will be made available to households that receive only over-the-air television service.
- Consumers may call toll free 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) in English and Spanish for updates.
- The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161 for updates.
- Consumer organizations and others interested in partnering with NTIA to promote the Coupon Program should contact Mary Lou Kenny at 202-482-9114.
- Coupon Program details, Frequently Asked Questions and program brochure are online on the NTIA website
Source: National Telecommunications & Information Administration
