The Switch To Digital TV Before The End Of The Year by Meredith Baker (NAPSA)—The switch to alldigital broadcasting is quickly ap- proaching and will offer con- sumers a clearer picture and more programming choices. Television viewers with analog TVsets using a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” are at risk of losing their TV signal if they do not act now or before the end of year to request their converter box coupons. According to Nielsen data, of the 112.8 million U.S. television households, 9.6 million or 8.4 percent, are completely unready for the switch. This means that on February 17, 2009, when the digital television transition | CONVERTER BOX COUPON PROGRAM TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF JAN ELIGIBLE CONVERTER BOX TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish TTY). Step 2: Buy Consumers should buy their converter box soon after their coupon(s) arrive in the mail. Con- tion, which is responsible for running the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, is providing up to two coupons per household upon request and recommends the following three steps: Step 1: Apply Apply for a TV Converter Box coupon now. Coupons are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each household can apply for up to two coupons online at www.DTV2009.gov, by calling 1888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), via fax at 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1877-388-4632), or by mail to P.O. sumers will receive a list of nearby participating retailers with their coupons. They should do their research swiftly and make a timely purchase that’s right for them. Coupons expire in 90 days from the date printed on the card. Step 3: Try Once a consumer has purchased a TV converter box, they should try the box on their analog TV. This provides the opportunity to test the box and troubleshoot potential problems prior to the transition date. Installing a converter box also provides the immediate benefits of a clearer picture and more channels, where available. If you need further technical help, the Federal Communications Commission provides a useful guide at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumer facts/troubleshootguide.html. While every situation is unique, consumers should allow a minimum of six weeks to ensure that their television signal continues to work prior to the nation switching to all-digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009. I urge all consumers to apply, buy and try today. Meredith Baker is the acting may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English tions and information at the U.S. Department of Commerce. occurs, TVs in these homes will lose their signal if consumers don’t take timely action. Consumers with digital televisions and TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay service do not need to act. But consumers who want to keep using their analog TVs with an antenna after the transition can purchase a TV converter box using a $40 government coupon. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administra- Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208. Deaf or hard of hearing callers assistant secretary for communica-
