Confused about digital conversion? Here’s an easy overview:
- On February 17, 2009 your television might not work. If your TV has "rabbit ears", or an antennae, you will have 3 options in order to continue watching television:
- How do you know if your TV is digital or not? Check the labels on your TV – if they contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner", "Digital Tuner Built-In", "Digital Receiver", or "Digital Tuner", "DTV", "ATSC", or "HDTV" you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming.
- If you do not have cable, satellite or a digital television, then you need to get a digital converter box. The boxes are available at your local electronics store. They sell for about $40-$80 dollars
Good news! You can receive up to TWO coupons per household worth $40 dollars each to offset the cost of your digital converter box. The coupons are free and available to anyone. Just go online to www.DTV2009.GOV or call (1-888-388-2009) to apply (there are dozens of language options available!)
Installing the converter box is easy. Follow the directions on the box and if you’re still having trouble, you may need additional antennae. For information about antennae in your area: www.antennaweb.org
If you decide that you DO want to purchase a new television to receive digital programming, you can recycle your old television by going to www.mygreenelectronics.org
Need more answers? Go to www.dtv.gov
- – Buy a digital converter box
– Buy a digital TV
– Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service
