You see the message come across your TV screen, “The last day of analog broadcasting is February 17, 2009.” We tend to ignore it and think, “I have lots of time, I just bought a TV a few years ago, it probably won’t affect me.” You may be surprised when you wake up February 17th in your Addison apartment, turn on your TV and see a blank fuzzy screen. Here is some helpful information so you will be prepared.
What is Digital TV?
DTV is an advanced broadcasting technology that will enhance your television viewing by offering better picture and sound quality. Digital TV conversion will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public and safety services and advanced wireless services. Many TV stations in the US are airing digital television programming today, but beginning February 17, 2009 all full-power TV stations will only broadcast in digital TV. Follow the easy steps below so that you are prepared and set up correctly for this digital TV conversion.
1. Determine Your Need
Do you have cable or satellite monthly TV service? Was your TV made after March 1, 2007?
If you answered “YES” to either of those questions, then you are not affected. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you should ask your provider if you will need anything and when. Also, to maximize this new technology, it may be time to retire that faithful 10-year-old TV and get one of the new high definition televisions!
If you answered “NO” to both questions and you have an outside antennae or rabbit ears on top of your TV, you will be affected. You will need a digital converter box for each TV in your house that is not hooked up to cable or satellite. Just follow the steps below.
2. $40 Off Digital Converter Coupon
The GREAT NEWS is that the federal government is providing 2 -$40 off coupons per household. This is a great discount, and if you shop around you may be able to get 2 digital converter boxes FREE!
Here are the ways in which you may apply for up to 2 digital converter coupons:
- Online – at Digital Converter Box Coupon
- Over the phone – 24 hour hotline: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
- By mail – pick up an application at a store and mail to: PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
- By fax – fax the application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
- Deaf or hard of hearing call 1-877-530-2634 (English) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish)
IMPORTANT information about the digital converter coupons:
- The coupon will be a plastic gift card.
- Coupons expire within 90 days of issuance.
- There is a limited supply.
- The last date an application will be accepted is March 31, 2009.
3. Buy a DTV Converter Box
Most digital converter boxes are priced between $50 and $70 and are available from Addison stores that sell electronics. You might want to check out Dish Network as they have announced that they would be selling DTV converter boxes for $40, that makes them FREE!
If you are currently using a TV antennae, here is a link that will tell you the right kind of antennae to purchase for maximizing the clarity you receive on your TV from your new digital converter box.
4. Install Your Digital Converter Box
This is easy! Just follow the following steps:
- Unplug your TV antennae from the back of your TV and plug it into the back of the DTV converter box where it says “IN”.
- Take the cable that comes with your converter box and plug one end into your TV and the other into the converter box where it says “OUT”.
- Plug the power cords on your converter box and TV into a power outlet, and turn on your TV and converter box.
- Using the instructions that come with your DTV converter box, tune your TV to channel 3 or 4 and using the remote that comes with your converter box, follow the on-screen set-up guide.
- Check the FCC for more detailed instructions in case you run into trouble.
Now as you relax in your Addison apartment, sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy the greatest advancement in television technology since color TV was introduced!
{ 0 comments… add one now }