Is Your Senior Loved One Ready for the DTV Conversion?

You've probably been reading about the upcoming DTV conversion, which was recently extended from the original date of February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009. Many people are unclear about whether the switchover will affect their TV reception—and seniors, especially, report confusion about what to expect. If your elder loved one hasn't checked his or her situation, here are some quick questions to ask.

Q: What is the DTV Conversion?

On June 12, all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and convert to broadcasting in digital only. This switchover is necessary to give needed communications channels to police, fire and emergency departments, and to eventually offer consumers more choices and better picture and sound quality, including high definition (HDTV) programming.

Q: Who Will Be Affected?

Any analog TV set that currently receives over-the-air programming using a broadcast antenna, either through "rabbit ears" on the set or an antenna on the roof, will be affected. Digital sets will not be affected. And if you receive your signal by cable or satellite TV, there will also be no change.

Q: Will I Need to Purchase a New TV?

No. Analog sets which receive over-the-air programming will only need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue receiving broadcast television. These boxes are now available in many stores.

Q: How Much Will That Cost?

Digital-to-analog converter boxes will cost approximately $40 to $70. To help defray the cost, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is offering coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of certified TV converter boxes.

For more information about the DTV conversion, where to find a converter box and how to get the discount coupon, visit www.DTV2009.gov, call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), mail to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or fax 1-877-388-4632. Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

Use your coupon as soon as you receive it. Your coupons will be sent to your home via first class mail. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.

Q: Where Can I Redeem My Coupon?

A list of local retailers will come with your coupons. Telephone and online retailers are also available. A full list of retailers can be found on the DTV.gov website.

Q: When Should I Connect the TV Converter Box?

Connect your TV converter box as soon as you get it. You can watch digital television on most channels today. Immediately connect your converter box to your analog TV so that you have time to troubleshoot any technical issues, such as repositioning your antenna to fix reception problems, or scan (or re-scan) for digital channels in your area.

For general information about the DTV transition, visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).