Tech Tip: Analog TV Going Away February 17, 2009
Next year analog television will be no more. The federal government has mandated that all television transmissions be received over a digital transmission instead of a analog transmission beginning February 17, 2009.
What does this mean for you?
This means if you are currently receiving your t.v. broadcast using an old indoor/outdoor antenna you will need to upgrade to a digital t.v. converter box to view television programming. You have less than a year to purchase a digital converter box should you need it. If you need it don’t hesitate to buy it. There are millions of t.v. viewers who don’t have cable or satellite (come on…you know you know somebody who doesn’t have cable) and there will most likely be a mad dash to buy the converter boxes at the last minute…so do yourself a favor now and learn what you need to do. Here’s some video to help you learn more about this new technology:
Video Recap:
- You don’t need to purchase a digital t.v. converter box if you are a cable or satellite subscriber. If you have a t.v. that doesn’t have cable or satellite on it then you’ll need to purchase the digital converter box. If you don’t buy it…expect a blank screen come February 17, 2009.
- Picture quality will improve on a t.v. that has a digital converter box but there are some problems with smaller screens which may need to be fixed on a program by program basis
- The boxes cost $60
- The federal government has established a program to subsidize the cost of purchasing the converter box:
- Government is offering a $40 coupon which makes your out-of-pocket cost $20 (after the coupon is applied)
- More information and coupons can be found at: www.dtv2009.gov
- Update: Check out the comment below by reader Janard B for more detailed info on the digital converter box and coupon program. Thanks Janard!
Mahogany City
We found this at http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Con.....ogram.html Lots of explanations about the coupon program and converter boxes.
TV Converter Box Coupons are plastic cards that look like gift cards. They will be:
Mailed to households with approved applications, starting in late February.
Sent based on the date of application, in the order in which the applications were received.
Mailed on a staggered basis – not all at once.
Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Coupons cannot be printed or downloaded from the Program Website and are not available to pick up at retail locations.
Remember to call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes at the store on the day you plan to shop.