ARE YOU READY FOR THE TRANSITI |
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Are You Ready For The Transition to Digital Television? Data Finds Many African-American Households Unprepared For The Switch (NAPSM)-Television is facing a major change: the switch to digital broadcasting. Those with analog TV sets using a rooftop antenna, or “rabbit ears,” are at risk of losing their TV signal and one of the communities most vulnerable is African-Americans. According to Nielsen data, 16.3 percent of African-American households are completely unready for the switch. This means you, your family, neighbors, elders and friends may have one-or all TVs-in the home that will not work after February 17, 2009. This does not need to be the case. First, figure out if you’re at risk for losing TV broadcasts. Then, take action. Are You At Risk For Losing Your TV Service? If all of the televisions in your home are connected to cable, satellite or other pay services, they should continue to work after the transition, but you should contact your provider for details. Televisions with built-in digital tuners will continue to work after the switch. To find out if your TV is digital, consult your owner’s manual or visit www.dtvtransition.org to take an online quiz. But, if one or more of the televisions in your home use a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears to get reception, they will not work after February 17, 2009 (according to federal law). But don’t worry; you have three options to make the switch: 1) Buy a TV with a digital tuner; 2) Connect your current TV set to cable, satellite or other pay service; 3) Buy a converter box that will plug into your current TV set. If you choose to purchase a converter box, the federal government is offering up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of approved TV converter boxes. On average, the boxes cost between $50 and $80 each-a one-time cost. Getting a converter box is simple. Between now and March 31, 2009, apply for the coupon online at www.DTV2009.gov, by phone at (888) DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), by fax at (877) DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632) or by mail to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208. Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial (877) 530-2634 (English TTY) or (866) 495-1161 (Spanish TTY). Your coupons will arrive in the mail two to three weeks after ordering. Use them when you get them to buy a converter box. Coupons expire 90 days after the date they are mailed and cannot be replaced. A list of nearby stores where you can buy a TV converter box will be included with your coupon(s). A list of all participating retailers, including online and phone retail outlets is also available at www.DTV2009.gov. Install your converter box: You don’t need to wait for February 2009 to install your box. By hooking up a converter box now to your current analog TV set, you can get the benefits of a clearer picture and more programming choices, where available. Get the facts now on how to make the switch and keep your TV working after February 17, 2009. For more information about the digital television transition, please visit www.DTV2009.gov. Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) |
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