Digital Television

Digital TV is on Its Way - Prepare for the Switch to Get the Picture

On February 17, 2009, television will undergo the biggest change since color was introduced in the 1950s. Thatís the date on which analog broadcasting will end for full-power TV stations. Currently, most stations are broadcasting in two formats - digital and analog. Those of us with digital television sets are already enjoying the benefits of DTV. Those with the older analog sets are still getting programming as we always have. But that will change on February 17, 2009, when full-power stations will stop broadcasting in analog. After that date, they will only broadcast in digital, so you will have to make some changes if you watch free over-the-air TV broadcasts on an analog TV with an antenna.

That doesnít mean you need to get a new television set. Buying a digital TV is just one option. There are low-cost converter boxes to change the digital signal to one that your current analog set can receive. To help defray the cost of digital-to-analog converter boxes, each U.S. household can request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of eligible boxes. This coupon program is being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). For more information on the coupon program visit www.dtv2009.gov, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or pick up an application at Burien City Hall located at 15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Ste C.

If you currently receive your programming through a satellite or cable provider, ask your provider what equipment you will need, if any, to continue receiving your signals through the transition. For more information on the digital television transition, go to www.dtv.gov, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.