When is it?

The switchover from analog to digital broadcasting will be completed on February 17, 2009.

How do I switch?

You can prepare for the transition to digital television by following one of three simple steps:

Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set.

The DTV converter box, sometimes referred to as a set-top box, is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older “analog” television set. DTV converter boxes will be available for purchase in early 2008, and are expected to cost between $40 and $70. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households beginning in early 2008. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) www.ntia.doc.gov.

You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.

Click here to find out how to get your own converter box.

Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider.

All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

Converter Box Details

When can I obtain a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes that transform digital television signals to analog will be available for purchase at electronics retailers in early 2008. These converter boxes will allow consumers to maintain their free, over-the-air television service even on older analog TVs. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is issuing up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households to help defray the cost of the converter box.

Where can I purchase a DTV converter box?

DTV converter boxes that make digital broadcast signals viewable on analog television sets will be available for purchase at electronics retailers in early 2008. Each box is expected to cost between $40 and $70. Households will also be able to request up to two $40 coupons from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that can be used toward the purchase of converter boxes.

When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue coupons for DTV converter boxes in early 2008. Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products.

How do I sign up for the DTV converter box coupon program?

Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more information about the converter box coupon program, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit dtv2009.gov.

How do I know if I have an analog or digital television set?

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over the air?

If you currently use an indoor or rooftop antenna to receive over-the-air analog broadcast television signals and you have good or excellent reception quality, the same antenna should be able to provide you with reception of digital television broadcast signals. For more information about using an antenna to receive local television broadcast channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

Will I be able to continue to use my existing VCR with a DTV converter box for timed recordings?

Yes, but after the digital transition, you won't be be able to pick up over-the-air programs for recording from the tuner in the VCR, so the input to the VCR must be connected to the output of the DTV converter box. The tuner in the DTV converter box will need to be set to the desired channel to be recorded prior to the start of each recording period programmed into the VCR.