Be Ready For Digital Transition
Press Release
Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (IL-11) is reminding residents that the digital TV (DTV) transition is right around the corner with the disconnection of all analog broadcasts taking place on June 12. After that date, all full-power TV stations will only transmit DTV signals and residents with analog will lose transmission.
"The majority of us utilize television on a daily basis and I want to make sure everyone is ready for the oncoming change," said Halvorson.
In order for a television to work under the new DTV transition, individuals must have a newer television set or a converter box that enables older TVs to receive digital signals from an antenna. However, any television connected to a for-pay service from a cable, satellite or telephone company should continue to work as it does now.
A television is also ready for the digital conversion if it has a built in digital-tuner and is connected to a UHF/VHF antenna. Nearly all TVs bought in the past three or four years, especially LCD or plasma sets, have a digital tuner. Individuals who are unsure if their TV has a digital tuner, it is advised that they look in the TV's user manual for words such as "Integrated Digital Tuner" or "DTV" or "ATSC."
An old-style analog TV set that receives free broadcasts over an antenna will no longer work after June 12 and individuals have a choice to purchase a new television set or hook-up a converter box to the set.
"Every household in America is eligible to receive two $40 government coupons to buy two digital-to analog converter boxes," said Halvorson "And if you have a coupon that has expired, you can reapply for a new one."
Converter boxes can be purchased at most stores that sell electronics. If you are unable to connect the converter box to an old antenna and analog TV, an FCC contractor may be able to come to your home to connect them for you. An FCC contractor will do the following free of charge:
Connect up to two of your converter boxes to two TVs and antennas in your home
Perform a channel scan or rescan on your converter box in order to pick up the digital TV stations in your area;
Make minor adjustments to your antenna; and
Show you how to operate your converter box and features such as closed captioning.
These services are paid for by the FCC and payment will not be requested.
A "soft test" was also issued on May 21 to let individuals know if their televisions would be workable after the transition. During the test, any sets that weren't ready for the conversion should have displayed a message.
"I'm also encouraging residents to check in with senior citizens and neighbors who may not be ready for the transition or need help installing a converter box," said Halvorson. "I want to make sure that as many people as possible make the transition without a hitch."
To contact the FCC, call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC
(1-888-835-5322) TTY. To request a coupon for a converter box, call toll-free 888-388-2009 or apply online at www.dtv2009.gov. More information regarding Halvorson and 11th District issues is at http://halvorson.house.gov. Congresswoman Halvorson's newsletter is also accessible at the website.
Source