Preparing for D-Day Feb 18 2009 - The Switch to Digital TV

So on Feb 18 2009 the world as we know it comes to an end!

The changeover from the system of analog broadcasting to a digital TV system is scheduled for next year.

On D-Day (aka Digital Day) Feb. 18, 2009, if you have an old-style, analogue televisions and receive programming “over-the-air” i.e. via an antenna, you will no longer receive a picture.

You will need to buy a converter box to sit between your antenna and your TV to convert the new digital signal into an analogue signal your old TV can understand.

If you have an over-the-air antennas but have already purchased a digital-ready television set or adapter boxes, then you don’t need to do anything, you are ready for the switch.

If you are on cable television or a satellite system, you will have the digital conversions handled through by the cable or satellite companies.

Note: The government is offering two $40 coupons per household to be used toward converter boxes for those who do not have televisions with cable TV or satellite dishes. The coupons may be obtained online by going to www.dtv.gov or by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-388-2009.

P.S. The $40 government coupons for converter boxes are intended to defray the costs of the converters, not cover the full price which is probably goin gto be around $50 to $70.

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