In 2005, Congress reallocated the public airwaves to make it easier for firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders to communicate during an emergency. This reallocation of television signals also opened up additional airwaves for television broadcasters to purchase for broadcasting on digital signals, as opposed to the older, less clear, analog signals.  Proceeds from the sale of these airwaves are being used to reduce the deficit.  While the financial and public benefits are shared by all, it requires many viewers to make certain adjustments in their viewing habits. At 11:59 p.m. on February 17, 2009, all television broadcasting will switch from an analog to a digital signal. All analog broadcasts will cease and unprepared viewers will no longer receive a picture.

Will the Conversion to Digital Affect my Television?

Approximately 11 percent of Austin households watch television on an analog signal.  A Nielsen survey of 56 major U.S. cities found that Austin ranked 24^th in the number of homes that are still unprepared for the switch to digital television.  Nationwide, more than 34 million households will be affected by the digital transition, including more than 70 million television sets. These televisions will require a converter box to continue to receive programming.

If you currently use a cable or satellite provider for video programming on all television sets in your home, then NO converter box is necessary. Also, if your television contains a “digital tuner,” then it is already capable of receiving a digital signal.  All television sets sold after March 1, 2007 are required to carry digital tuners. It is not enough for a television to be “digital ready,” as this feature applies to the monitor, not the antenna.  Check the labels on your television.

For older sets, if your television requires “rabbit ears” or an outdoor antenna to receive a signal, then a converter box is required.  Also, if you have one or more television sets that are not connected to cable or satellite, then a converter box may be necessary for these sets to receive a digital signal as well. More than 14,000 retail stores carry these converter boxes, including department stores such as Sears and Walmart, and consumer electronic stores such as Circuit City and Radio Shack.

Congress is Making Converter Boxes More Affordable

Congress has set aside $890 million to help consumers purchase converter boxes for the digital signal transition.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is making available $40 coupons on a first-come, first-serve basis to households that require a converter box.  These coupons look like gift cards that major retailers now use.  These coupons expire 90 days after they are issued. Coupons cannot be sold or transferred, and can only be used toward the purchase of a single converter box.  If a converter box costs less than $40, then the consumer will only owe applicable sales tax – no cash will be given back as change.

To get more information, or to apply for a converter coupon, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The call is free.