“Television as we know it is about to change.  On February 17, 2009, television stations all over the country will begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format, ending analog broadcasts that come through conventional television antennas.  It’s important to know a few facts about the upcoming transition so that your family’s television doesn’t go dark next February. 

“Digital television, or DTV, has enormous benefits, including better reception, improved picture quality, and more multi-media options.  Even more importantly, because using a digital signal is a more efficient way to broadcast, transitioning our nation to DTV will free up spectrum for first responders to use to communicate during emergencies.  Our nation’s first responders desperately these tools so that they can react quickly and decisively during emergencies.

“While the benefits of transitioning to DTV are clear, the move presents a number of challenges.  After February 17, 2009, to continue receiving free, over-the-air signals, a television set must have either a digital tuner or a set-top converter box that converts the new digital signal into the old analog format and the set to continue receiving broadcast-only signals.

“Will you need a set-top converter box to ensure that your television continues to work after February 17, 2009?  An estimated 19.6 million households in the United States rely on antennas to receive broadcast television, and if you fall into that category, your televisions will require set-top converter boxes.  However, if you subscribe to cable or satellite service, any of your televisions that receive video programming through that provider will not require a converter box.  Likewise, if you already have a digital television, you will not notice the transition.

“In order to ensure that all Americans continue to receive television service during the transition, Congress established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.  Through this program, every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two $40 coupons to purchase converter boxes.  You can now request your coupons online at www.dtv2009.gov, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009, or by mail.  It’s important to remember that coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.

“Coupons can be exchanged for set-top converter boxes at a number of national retailers, and I encourage you to ask questions when purchasing either set-top boxes or new televisions:  Is this TV ready for the digital transition?  Will this converter box ensure that I will continue to receive my local television stations?  You can also find out more information online by visiting www.dtv.gov or www.dtvanswers.com.  As always, feel free to contact my office with any questions you have about the upcoming transition.

“Are you ready for the change?  Now that you know about it, share the news with your family, neighbors, and coworkers.  If we work to spread information about the upcoming digital transition, we can ensure that everyone receives the benefits of DTV.”