On February 17, 2009, the nation will undergo a change in the way television broadcasting is transmitted over-the-air, and it may affect television viewing in your home. On that date, all television stations will terminate broadcasting analog signals. Thereafter, only digital signals will be transmitted.  The DTV Transition will provide television viewers with clearer pictures and more program choices, and will free up major portions of the airwaves for public safety communications such as police, fire and rescue, and for new broadband wireless services. 

• If you have an analog television set which is connected to cable or satellite, those service providers will make sure that your television set receives a viewable image after the transition.  You are ready for the DTV Transition.

• If you have a digital television set, your television is also ready for the DTV Transition. 

• If you have an analog television set which receives signals by means of rabbit ears or an over-the-air antenna and you desire to keep this set in service, you will need to attach a small digital-to-analog converter box to your television set in order to continue receiving over-the-air television broadcasts. 

You may request up to two $40 coupons to go toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes, which cost from $40 and $60 each.  Upon request, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will mail up to two coupons and a list of local retailers in the area that sell converter boxes. 

For more information about the Coupon Program and how to apply for coupons, go to the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

For additional information about the DTV Transition and what you may need to do to prepare for it, visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website http://www.dtv.gov/ or call 1-888-225-5322.

**IMPORTANT UPDATE**

Some stations in the area (Low Power/Class A/Translator) will continue to broadcast in analog after February 2009.  If you need a converter box and would like to continue to watch these channels, be sure to purchase a convertor box with “analog pass-through capability.”

To see if there are Low Power/Class A/Translator stations in your area, visit the FCC’s website at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/eb/zipsrch/ .