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See the WTIU DIGITAL TV SCHEDULE
More About DTV
FCC DIGITAL HOTLINE:
(888) 225-5322
Learn more about digital television at the following web sites:
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Aspect Ratio Comparison
Pictured above, the current 4 x 3 aspect ratio of conventional television.
Compare that to the new 16 x 9 aspect ratio of digital television pictured here.
Watch two segments on the DTV transition from WTIU’s THE WEEKLY SPECIAL:
Digital Conversion History and Background » WATCH
Digital TV Conversion Technical Aspects » WATCH
DTV Basics with Kevin O'Connor & Norm Abrams from THIS OLD HOUSE » WATCH
See video and photos from WTIU’s Digital Open House » WATCH
3. What is the converter box and how do I get one?
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If you have an analog television, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television. YOU WILL NOT NEED TO THROW YOUR OLD ANALOG TELEVISION AWAY.
Converter boxes CAN:
- Receive Closed-Captioning
- Only receive over-the-air signals from your antenna
- Only work with one TV at a time
- Allow parental controls like the V-Chip
Converter boxes DO NOT:
- Replace your antenna
- Produce a digital output
- Be combined with DVRs (without buying a deluxe model)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Coupon Program
To help consumers with this television transition, the National Telecommunications and Information Act, developed a coupon program allowing every household to be eligible to receive two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Applications for converter boxes will be accepted by mail, phone and on the web beginning January 1, 2008. The deadline for coupon applications is March 31, 2009.
Coupons are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Coupons expire 90 days after issue.
Applying for a Coupon
ONLINE: http://www.DTV2009.gov/
PHONE: 1-888-DTV-2009
TTY: 1-877-530-2634 (English) / 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish)
BY MAIL: PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208
FAX: 1-877-DTV-4ME2
Converter Box Cost
The price is expected to be somewhere around $60.
According to government estimates in early 2007, expect to pay $50-$75 for a basic box. Deluxe models exist including a digital tuner, video recording, or playback capabilities (as found in DVD player or DVR). Retailers are selling DVD player models that include ATSC digital tuners, and prices go from $190-$300.
Where You Can Go To Buy Your Converter Boxes?
Inexpensive models eligible for the federal DTV coupon program will be widely available. Best Buy, Circuit City, K-mart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart have been certified to participate in the TV Converter Box Coupon Program along with more than 100 other retailers, representing more than 14,000 stores throughout the nation.
How do I find out which converter box is best for me?
The TV Converter Box Review website maintains unbiased reviews and ratings of many different digital to analog converter boxes that have been approved by the government for the digital transition.
What Does a Converter Box Look Like?
See the photo at the top of this page for an example of a digital converter.