On February 17th, 2009 all analog over the air broadcasts of television signals will end. At this time all TV broadcasts will be digital.

Will it affect me?

Every household in America that receives free over-the-air television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog only tuners will be affected by the transition. These are TV’s that are generally more than 3 to 5 years old.

Those subscribing to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service will not be affected. Check with your service provider to be certain.

There is no need to wait until February 17th to go digital in your home. You can do it now. In fact all Television Stations are already broadcasting in digital and have been for several years. TV stations are currently operating 2 TV stations during this transition to all digital, an analog and a digital. The transition period, which began in 2002 ends February 17th, 2009. This will be the last day broadcasters operate the analog station.

For specific information on the digital transition please visit the following sites at the bottom of this page.

You will be directed to offers for a coupon to assist in the purchase of a converter box that will convert a digital signal to analog, so you can use your existing analog tv. You don’t need a coupon for the purchase, it is a rebate from the federal government to assist in the event you cannot fully afford it. Converter boxes are about $79.00.

You may simply choose to buy a new TV that would display the new digital channels in crystal clear digital quality.

Official FCC website for Digital Television
http://www.dtv.gov/

National Association of Broadcasters DTV Website
http://www.dtvanswers.com/

Facts about Digital TV
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html