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.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQs for more information!

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(: All full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. is February 17, 2009)

Not sure if you need a Converter Box?

What are My Options

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 http://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 Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

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?

Click Next for questionaire to find out

If you think you need a converter box, click here to apply for a coupon.

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:
Apply online
Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 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?

A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 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 is expected to cost between $50 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.

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.

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 TV with an antenna and may want to consider applying for TV converter box coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, because after that date, coupons will no longer be available.

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.
Not sure if you need a Converter Box? Click here.

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DTV Transition and the Coupon Program

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Table of Contents

Not sure if you need a Converter Box?

What are My Options

How do I request a coupon?

Will the transition affect me?

Top HDTV's from Amazon - Voting (Plexo)

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Locate a Converter Box Retailer near you

Recent Updates

Apply for Coupon

Download Pdf

Check Status

New Did you know? Random Facts

New Washington Post Issue Tracker

Great Stuff on CafePress

TV Converter Boxes - Amazon

#1

#2

#3

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#5

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Voila: Just copy and paste this code into your own site. Have fun!

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TV Converter Boxes on eBay

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TV Converter Boxes

Reader Feedback

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