Dealing With The Digital TV Deadline (NAPSA)—Anyone who gets 7 television over the air with an antenna should take steps now to prepare for the conversion to digital TV before the February 17, Marrs ates ipa Peabeperes Peet Piriiey 2009 deadline. On that date, all full-power television stations in the U.S. will stop broadcasting using tradi- tte: tional analog technology and move exclusively to broadcasting digital TV or DTV. “We encourage viewers to take care of this now so they aren't left behind,” said John Boland, chief content officer of PBS. “Given the sovernment’s first-come, first- served converter box coupon pro- The home-improvement gurus at tion problems, it’s best to prepare now. And digital channels are already available, so viewers who how to switch from analog to digital television. gram and the possibility of recep- “This Old House”offer advice on make the switch will have instant access to more free programming.” If you use an antenna to lems. Adjusting the home’s outdoor antenna or purchasing a small indoor antenna could receive over-the-air television, you can switch to DTV either by connecting your television to a con- verter box that allows DTV signal reception; replacing your analog resolve such difficulties. Informa- tion about antennas can be found at www.antennaweb.org. PBS has created numerous resources to help viewers make TV with a new digital TV; or sub- the switch. “Get Ready for Digital cable or satellite. Consumers who own a digital TV set should already be receiving over-the-air home-improvement gurus at “This scribing to a pay service, such as DTV signals. TV,” a 30-minute special from the Old House,” will debut on PBS stations in October. PBS also offers a DTV Web. site, Every household in America is eligible for two government-sponsored coupons worth $40 toward an www.pbs.org/dtv, with helpful information, including downloadable fact sheets such as DTV boxes cost $40 to $70. For coupons or to learn more about the coupon program, call (888) DTV-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov. The in English, Spanish and largeprint formats. The site also includes video DTV Tips and links to other DTV-relatedsites. Consumers who currently have vood analog television reception should continue to receive good find out what kind of program- approved converter box. Converter coupons expire 90 days after issue. digital reception. However, some households may experience prob- Basics and DTV Myths and Facts Viewers with questions can call the PBS station to learn how to get ready for digital TV and to ming is available on the current digital channels.
