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7. If you do not have a digital TV

If you watch free over-the-air TV with a broadcast antenna* and don't have a digital TV, you'll have to get a digital-to-analog converter box to continue using your analog TV. A TV converter box is a product that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after June 12, 2009.

Even before that date, older TVs will begin to lose channels as individual TV stations complete their Digital TV transition in the period leading up to the national deadline of June 12. WKAR ended analog broadcasts on January 13.


TV converter box is a one-time purchase and costs between $50 and $70 at local retailers.

$40 discount coupons are available from the federal government.  You can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household by visiting the website listed below.  When a coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby participating consumer electronics retailers.  The TV converter box will plug into the back of your TV (and you will still use your antenna.) TV converter boxes will come with installation instructions.

*A TV that is connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service won't require a TV converter box -- your pay TV service will help you update to digital television.

It can be a bit tricky to determine if your current televisions are capable of receiving digital TV signals.  One way to do this is to refer to your TV Instruction Manual and look for references to digital TV.  You may also find a toll-free phone number for calling your television manufacturer to inquire about your TV model. 

To learn more...
Help determining if you need a converter box:
Digital TV easy online quiz (Industry Site)

"How to survive the digital TV transition" at Consumer Reports:
www.consumerreports.org (Industry Site)

To apply for a TV converter coupon, visit
www.dtv2009.gov (Government Site)

For general information
www.dtvanswers.com (Industry Site)

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