DTV

Are you ready for the nation’s transition from analog to digital television on February 17, 2009? If not, you need to act now so you don’t wake up next year to a snowy screen and a lost TV signal.
You may be affected if you don't have cable, or if you have a tv in your house not connected to cable.
Television as we know it is changing. Less than a year from now, full-power TV stations in the U.S. will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100 percent digital broadcasting.
Changing from analog to digital makes sense. First and foremost, it will free up additional airwaves for first responders, like our city Firefighters, Police Officers, and Public Works employees so they can better communicate with each other during emergencies.
What’s more, digital television (DTV) offers sharp video and crisp audio. More efficient than analog TV technology, digital technology allows for multicasting, which is the transmission of multiple programs at once. Additionally, it can be used to transmit video and data services that are not possible using analog technology.
Who is affected by the transition?
Those who have an older analog television set that is receiving service with rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna risk losing television reception if they do not take steps to maintain service. You’re likely not to be affected if you have cable and/or a newer digital tv.
Steps to Take
If you are at risk for losing television reception, you have choices to make. And you will need to act by February 17, 2009, to have access to your favorite television shows, news programs and sports events.
To receive a digital signal and ensure continued TV reception, free “over the air” television viewers have several options to consider.
Most importantly, you should know you do not need to buy a new tv, or subscribe to cable. In fact, you may be even happier with your older tv receiving the digital signal! I recommend that you apply for a coupon to help you purchase a new digital-to-analog converter box (it looks and works kind of like a cable box).
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Through the federal government TV Converter Box Coupon Program, coupons worth $40 dollars toward the purchase of converter boxes are being offered, Each household can request two coupons. Go to www.DTV2009.gov to request a coupon, and then head to your favorite electronics store to buy one.
adapted from press release by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez.