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WHO NEEDS A DIGITAL TV CONVERTER? |
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The converter option is not necessary for everyone! People who have television sets connected to cable, satellite, or other pay television service will not need a Digital Converter for these sets. Neither will people who have a television with a digital tuner already built in. But if you haven’t purchased a television in the last five years and is not connected to cable or satellite service, it probably does not include a digital tuner and is a good candidate for a Digital Converter. Consumers can apply for converter box coupons by visiting www.dtv2009.gov, or calling 1-888-DTV-2009. |
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What Should I Do To Be Ready for the DTV Transition?
You have three choices:
1) Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box. Digital-to-analog converter boxes will be in stores in 2008 and will have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help consumers pay for the boxes, the U.S. Government will be offering two $40 coupons per household. You will be able to request the coupons beginning in January of 2008. For more information on the coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Your current broadcast antenna should work for digital broadcasts.
2) Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner). Remember that you do not need to buy a High Definition TV (HDTV) to enjoy digital broadcast television. Plus, your current broadcast antenna should work for digital broadcasts. 3) Subscribe to a paid TV service. If you subscribe to a paid service such as cable or satellite TV, you should contact your provider to see what, if any, equipment you may need. Remember that you will need a digital-to-analog converter box for any analog TV in your home not connected to your paid TV service.
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Ways to Prepare for DTV |
| Your TV tuner is: | You get your programming from: | You will need by Feb. 17, 2009: | | Analog | Over-the-air | Digital-to-Analog converter box | | Analog | Cable or satellite | Contact your Provider | | Digital | Over-the-air | Nothing | | Digital | Cable or satellite | Contact your Provider | |
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