The Digital TV Transition

On February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital television (DTV) . DTV broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels.

The conversion to DTV will help to free up parts of the broadcast spectrum which in turn will then be used for other impotant services such as police and fire departments, emergency rescue, and advanced wireless service.

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. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program.

For more information about DTV and the converter box coupon program go to:
www.dtv.gov