Over-the-air digital signals will still be free, but analog television sets will not recognize the new signals. Residents who own older TV sets will need to obtain a decoder/converter box to change the digital signals back to analog for their TVs to work properly. If the TV is already digital ready, there will be no need for a converter.

Who needs a Converter Box?

Anyone receiving TV signals via Time Warner Cable or Satellite won’t have to do anything.

Those who get their TV signal via “rabbit ears” or a roof antenna need a digital-ready TV, or a “converter box” to convert the new digital signals to the original analog signal.

Digital-to-Analog converter boxes are available at most electronic stores, and cost between $40-$70. The Federal Government has offered $40 coupons to reduce the costs of converting your older TV.

Please see the files attached for information on how to get a TV converter box coupon.

Will your TV Work Next Year?

How do I get a TV Converter Box Coupon?

Are you ready for February 17, 2009?

FCC Distributes Bilingual DTV PSAs, Educational Video
By Vlada Gelman
September 17, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission has released several TV PSAs and a long-form educational video to help viewers prepare for the digital television transition.

The 30- and 60-second PSAs, produced in both English and Spanish, have been distributed to 1,368 full-power commercial English broadcast stations and 100 Spanish broadcast stations.

The educational video is divided into four parts: “What Is DTV?,” “What You Need to Know,” “Watching DTV With a Converter Box” and “Summary.”

Both the PSAs and educational video can be viewed at:
http://www.dtv.gov/video_audio.html