What happens on February 17th, 2009?

How does this affect me? Will my TV still work?

What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?

How do I get a TV Converter Box Coupon?

What is Digital Television?

If I buy a Digital Television will it work today?

Is DTV the same as HDTV?

What happens on February 17th, 2009?

On February 17th 2009 all full power TV stations like KGMB9 will turn off their analog transmitters.

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How does this affect me? Will my TV still work?

If you use a Cable Provider like Oceanic, or a Satellite service to receive television signals than you should not be affected. However, if you use an antenna to receive television signals then you will be affected. You’ll either need to purchase a new digital television, or you’ll need to purchase a converter box for your analog TV.

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What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.

Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:

• Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
• Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
• Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

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How do I get a TV Converter Box Coupon?

Go to the TV Converter Box Program website at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ and go read through their information. If you do need a TV Converter Box, the webpage will allow you to submit a request for one. Please note that this coupon will expire after 90 days of mailing.

The site will also allow you to track your coupon by going to https://www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx and typing in your reference or coupon number.

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What is Digital Television?

Digital television (DTV) refers to the technology used to transmit a television signal. In order to receive DTV signals your television needs to have a DTV receiver. Today the US uses an analog technology to transmit television signals and most television sets have analog receivers built-in. On February 17th, 2009 the United States will officially switch technology standards from the existing analog system to the new digital system. This means that all full-power stations like KGMB9 will turn off their analog transmitters. TVs that make use of an antenna to receive analog television signals will not be able to receive the new digital signals and therefore will not work. If you have one of these TVs you’ll need to add a converter box or replace your television with one that has a DTV receiver built in.

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If I buy a Digital Television will it work today?

Yes. Most digital television have both and analog receiver and a digital receiver built-in. And most television stations (KGMB9 included) already broadcast digital signals.

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Is DTV the same as HDTV?

Not necessarily. DTV is the technology used to transmit a television signal and does not refer to the quality of the picture. An HDTV signal uses the same digital technology to transmit superior picture quality when received and viewed with an HDTV television. You can buy a DTV television that is not HDTV capable. However if you buy an HDTV it automatically comes with a DTV receiver built-in.

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