Top 10 Questions about the Digital Television Transition
Updated June 12, 2009
 1. What is the digital television transition?
Starting June 12, TV signals in the United States are now sent out differently – digitally. If you get your television signals with a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears, it will not work without a digital TV tuner.
“Over the air” television signals are now digital only. This was originally scheduled to take place on February 17, but it was moved to June to give consumers more time to prepare for the switch.
2. How can I keep watching my TV?
To get free, “over the air” television, your cheapest and easiest choice is to buy a digital converter box for your TV.
 Here's how:
1. Sign up to receive up to two free $40 coupons for converter boxes from the U.S. Government. To do this:
Call 1-888-388-2009
or
Go to www.dtv2009.gov.
2. Go to a store that sells electronics and buy a box. They cost about $40-70 apiece. Use the coupon and you only have to pay the difference.
3. Hook up the box to your TV by following the brief set-up process.
4. You’re “digital TV-ready” to watch all your shows.
3. Aren't all of the coupons sold out?
Not anymore. The coupon program used up all of its initial funds and the transition was delayed to allow for more funding. This funding was approved as part of the U.S. economic stimulus package.
If you need a converter box and do not already have coupons, apply for coupons now by calling 1-888-388-2009 or online at www.dtv2009.gov.
The coupons expire after 90 days.
4. Do I need a coupon to get a converter box?
No. You can still buy a converter box at regular price.
5. Do I have to pay someone to get a coupon or set up the converter box?
No. In one recent scam, thieves posed as government employees and charged victims money to apply for converter box coupons. You can sign up for coupons at no cost.
Thieves are also getting victims to pay them for what they describe as complicated electronics work. Setting up the converter box is as easy as setting an alarm clock or an oven timer, and it takes just minutes.
6. Do I have to buy a new TV?
No. Some stores run advertisements suggesting you need to buy an expensive new television to keep watching your shows. It’s not true. The converter boxes will make your current TV work just fine.
If you buy a new TV, it will be digital-TV ready and won’t need a converter box.
7. I have cable or satellite TV. Do I still need a converter box?
No. TVs connected to cable and satellite services will not need a converter box.
But, if you still use an antenna to get local channels instead of your cable or satellite feed, you’ll need the converter box. Check with your service provider for other possible changes.
8. Why was the transition date delayed?
Consumer rights groups, legislators and President Obama pushed for the delay to give the public more time to prepare for the transition. This became more necessary when initial funding for the converter box coupon program ran out.
9. Why is this change taking place?
There are two important reasons.
- The sound and picture quality of digital television is much better. It is similar to CD-quality sound and video.
- Digital technology is efficient. The transition will allow "room" for more public safety uses and advanced wireless applications.
10. Where can I get more information?
For more information, check the U.S. Government’s website at www.dtv.gov. You can also get answers for all your consumer-related questions from the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs. Contact DCA at (800) 593-8222 or at our website: dca.lacounty.gov.
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