If you have an older TV with an analog tuner, AND you use an antenna to receive over-the-air signals, you ARE affected. This FAQ will answer your questions about digital TV, who is affected by the analog to digital switchover, and what you'll need to do. But a new federal law in the USA mandates that television stations must broadcast in digital format only, beginning February 17 June 12, 2009. The cards are only good for 90 days, so it’s important not to procrastinate.For 80 years, over-the-air television signals have been broadcast in analog format. Now’s the time to apply, Malone said, because information takes at least two weeks to process and the coupons come in the form of gift cards. The program allows each household to receive up to two coupons worth $40 each that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for people who want to keep their analog TV sets after the digital transition. If you no longer have the manual, call the manufacturer or visit the company’s Web site to check the specifications.īuy a new TV set with a built-in digital tuner, buy converter boxes that translate the digital signal into the analog format for older sets or subscribe to a pay TV service such as cable or satellite.Ĭonverter boxes are available at major retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City and cost $40 to $70.
You need to check your owner’s manual to see whether your TV is analog. How do I know if my TV has an analog or digital signal?Īnalog TVs are no longer being manufactured, but some were being sold as late as last year. Seventeen percent of households in Illinois that rely solely on over-the-air TV signals will be affected. Overall, about 70 million TV sets risk losing their signals on Feb. As of today, 1,624 full-power TV stations out of 1,760 stations nationwide offer digital programming.Ĭonsumers who use antennas on TV sets that are equipped with analog tuners and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company TV service provider will be affected. 17, 2009.Įxperts say the digital technology provides clearer pictures, better sound quality and more channels, and frees up the airwaves for future technology. must switch from analog to digital signals on Feb. By law, full-power TV stations in the U.S. “The point is to share that the change is coming in hopes that people are not waiting until the last minute to do something about it.”ĭigital television. “We want to cover all the bases, and the presentations put the bug in people’s ears,” Malone said. The 20-foot-tall TV, called the “DTV Trekker,” will have traveled 95,000 miles, visiting 600 locations in 200 markets nationwide by February 2009. But our TV sets haven’t really had a big change.” Things change all the time like cell phones and computer. I learned about it in college,” Malone said. “We’ve been very aware that this switch is coming. Malone said the digital transition is a monumental event in the history of TV, the biggest change since color came to the small screen. “I think a lot of people don’t know why the change is happening, and when someone can explain it to you, it makes more sense why it’s important,” Mary Knight said. The Knights have five TVs in their home and three are analog, so they’re considering buying the converter boxes to prepare for the digital change. Malone said some consumers come to the events saying electronic stores or cable companies have tried to sell them packages when their most affordable option is buying a converter box if they don’t want a new TV or cable. She said the project is important to “set the record straight as an unbiased party.”