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The Transition to Digital Television (DTV)

The Digital TV Transition

On Friday, June 12th, the nation's full-power television stations will switch to all-digital programming. This will mean that analog television sets that are not connected to a converter box, cable, or satellite will stop working. The transition is critical because it will free up airwaves for broadband and enhanced emergency communications for our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

Earlier this year, President Obama and Congress worked to delay the digital television transition, because it was clear that many Americans would have been left in the dark had the conversion gone on as planned. In the months since then, we have worked to assist millions with the transition, particularly those in our most vulnerable communities.

While the number of households unprepared for digital television has been cut in half, some are still not ready. Because there will not be another delay, I encourage you to be prepared for the transition so that you do not lose access to important news and information.

What do I need to do to get ready?
If you currently watch over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears," take action now to ensure you have continuous coverage:

Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box
Your local broadcasters may make the transition before the June 12th deadline, and some already have. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help you pay for the converter boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. Because it typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons, consumers who apply now may not receive their coupons in time for the June 12th deadline.

Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner)
You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box). Depending on the signal strength of the DTV channels some consumers may need to move their existing antenna or purchase a new antenna to improve reception. You can learn more at http://www.antennaweb.org.

Subscribe to a paid TV service
If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition. Cable companies are not required to transition or switch any of their channels to digital. However, if you have an analog TV that does not receive local broadcast stations through your paid provider, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on that TV.

If you have a converter box, a digital television, or subscribe to a paid TV service such as cable or satellite TV, you're ready for the transition!

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