DTV Conversion 2009

National Conversion from Analog to All-Digital Television

On June 12, 2009, the nation’s television broadcasting system changed from an analog broadcasting system to a digital broadcasting system. This does not effect PBTV subscribers. This only effects those who receive their television signal via rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears". They will need to get a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box. Details about the conversion and how to obtain a coupon for a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box are below.

Full Power Analog Broadcast Television Ends

The nationwide switch to digital television broadcasting was completed on June 12, 2009. Analog only television sets that receive TV programming through an antenna will need a converter box to continue to receive over-the-air TV. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before to receive low power, Class A or translator television stations and with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products.

To assist consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes, while supplies last. You can request the coupons online at www.dtv2009.gov. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA’s Web site at www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

No action is necessary if you are a subscriber of a subscription television service, including Paul Bunyan Television.

More Information

• www.dtv2009.gov or 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY)
• www.dtv.gov or FCC: 1-888-CALL-FCC