DTV Transition Information

On February 17, 2009, television broadcasters nationwide will transition from analog to digital broadcasting as mandated by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

When the DTV transition is complete, over-the-air broadcasting of free TV programming will move to exclusively digital channels and traditional analog channels will be switched off.

Millions of households nationwide that receive free over-the-air television through an antenna will be affected by the transition.

Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting exclusively on analog sets will have three options for continuing their television service:

1. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an analog television set;
2. Purchase a new television set with a built-in-digital tuner; or
3. Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider.   

The reason America is switching to digital is because digital is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it will free up the airwaves for other services, such as public safety.  DTV will also result in clearer pictures, more channels and even free over-the-air high definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets. 

Digital-to-analog converter boxes will be available from electronics retailers in early 2008.

Congress has appropriated $1.5 billion to fund a digital-to-analog converter box coupon program.  The program is being administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA).

On January 1, 2008, households will be able to request up to two coupons valued at $40 each to go towards the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Coupons will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service, and consumers will have approximately three months to redeem them.

Additional information about the DTV transition is available at the DTV Transition Coalition Web site – www.dtvtransition.org – and the FCC site at www.dtv.gov.  Information about the digital-to-analog converter box coupon program is available at www.ntia.doc.gov.  You can also click here to view a one page document about the transition.

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