DTV Transition

On June 12th, 2009, the nation's full-power television stations will complete their switch to all-digital programming.  The transition to digital television (DTV) will free up airwaves for broadband and enhanced emergency communications for police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.  It will also provide consumers who rely on over-the-air signals with additional channels of free broadcast television, and significant improvements in picture quality and sound.  

HOW TO PREPARE

Consumers with older antenna TVs must take action to ensure they can receive digital television signals after June 12th.  Consumers have three options:

  • Purchase a TV converter box and connect it to their antenna TV.  Converter boxes can be purchased without a coupon.  
  • Purchase a television with a digital tuner (virtually all new TVs have digital tuners).
  • Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service.  

DTV COUPONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

Coupons, each worth $40, are still available to assist consumers with their purchase of a TV converter box.  Please note, however, that coupons ordered today will arrive AFTER June 12th. Eligible households can order coupons until July 31, 2009, while supplies last.  To expedite delivery, coupons should be ordered either online (www.dtv2009.gov) or by phone (1-888-DTV-2009; 1-888-388-2009).  Coupons are delivered via First Class mail and typically arrive 9 business days after the date the order is received. 

REPLACEMENT COUPONS

Consumers whose coupons expired without being redeemed can order replacement coupons through July 31st while supplies last.  Orders for replacement coupons are taken in the same channels as initial orders (online, by phone, fax or mail). 

CALL AHEAD BEFORE PURCHASING A CONVERTER BOX

Consumers should call ahead before shopping for a converter box, and should consider one of the 10 toll-free phone retailers or 29 online retailers.  These retailers and a searchable database of local retailers can be found at https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx.  Converter boxes can be purchased with or without a coupon. 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND LOCAL RESOURCES

Comprehensive information about the DTV transition -- including an interactive troubleshooting guide, searchable databases of local resources and technical assistance (including in-home assistance) -- can be found at www.dtv.gov. 

The FCC's DTV Hotline, 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), is available for consumers and congressional staff.  The Hotline is staffed with approx. 4,000 live agents and operating 24/7 through June 15th. 

TRY YOUR EXISTING ANTENNA FIRST
In many cases, existing antennas should work but may need to be adjusted once hooked up to the converter box or new DTV set.  Consumers should make sure they have an antenna that receives both VHF and UHF signals.  In some cases, a new indoor or outdoor antenna may be needed.  If there are reception issues, try using the Reception Mapping Tool at www.dtv.gov (enter the address to see which stations are expected to provide a signal to that household).

SCAN FOR CHANNELS

On June 12th and 13th, consumers should perform a channel scan on their converter box and any digital televisions they have.  This should be repeated regularly to ensure they are receiving all available digital channels. 

HELP YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS
If you are prepared, reach out to family, friends and neighbors.  Coupons can be given away; they cannot be bought or sold.