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The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

The Nation's Premier Civil and Human Rights Coalition
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights & The Leadership Conference Education Fund
The Nation's Premier Civil and Human Rights Coalition
Digital Television Transition. Get the coupon. Get the right box. Keep your TV.
Digital TV Transition HomeWhat You Can DoFrequently Asked QuestionsOrganizer Toolkit

DTV Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the digital television transition?

The digital television (DTV) transition is a change in the way that television signals are transmitted. On June 12, 2009, most television stations will stop sending analog over-the-air signals.

People who live in Hawaii should consult Hawaii Goes Digital for more information about an early transition in their state.

Why is the digital television transition happening?

Congress passed a law that requires television stations to stop broadcasting on analog channels and switch to digital signals. This will free up airspace for other services, including police, fire, and other emergency services.

Why was the digital television transition delayed?

Congress delayed the transition deadline to allow more families the time they need to successfully make the switch to digital. About one-third of the nation's full-power TV stations have already gone all-digital, and the remaining stations will make the transition to all-digital between April 16 and June 12.

What is the difference between analog and digital television?

Digital television signals are more efficient than analog signals, and also provide clearer pictures, better sound quality, and more channels and programming options. More than 1,600 local stations are already broadcasting in digital format – and after June 12, 2009 all full power stations will broadcast in a digital-only format.

Does the DTV transition affect all TVs?

It depends on how you currently receive your television signal:

  • If you use an antenna (rabbit ears or rooftop) to receive over-the-air analog television signals, you will probably need a converter box to continue using your TV.
  • If you have cable or satellite service, you should check with your provider before June 12, 2009 to see how they are handling the transition. You will not need to purchase a converter box through this program.
  • If you have a new digital television purchased in the last few years, you already have the ability to receive the digital signal and you do not have to purchase a converter box. Check your owner's manual if you are not sure if your television has a built-in digital tuner.

Will my TV stop working on June 12, 2009?

If you use rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna for over-the-air television signals and your tv is more than a few years old, you will probably need a converter box to continue receiving a television signal. Without cable, satellite, a digital TV set, or a converter box, you won’t get most TV programming.

Do I need to buy a new digital TV?

No. If you currently receive an over-the-air analog signal, you have three options:

  1. Keep your existing TV and purchase a converter box that will keep it working after June 12, 2009.
  2. Keep your existing TV and subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service. You will not need a converter box if you subscribe to a pay service.
  3. Purchase a new digital television with a built-in digital tuner. All TVs with a digital tuner are able to receive digital signals broadcast by television stations.

What is a converter box?

A converter box is a small electronic device that plugs into your TV, and, along with your antenna, will keep your TV set working after June 12, 2009. The converter box is a one-time purchase and it does not require any monthly fees.

What is the converter box coupon program?

The government has set up a free coupon program to offset the price of the converter boxes. Every U.S. household can request up to two coupons, each worth $40 towards the purchase of an approved converter box.

How do I get my coupons?

To request coupons for your household, you can:

  • Submit your request online at DTV2009.gov
  • Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Please note that the correct number starts with 888, not 800. 
  • TTY users should call 1-877-530-2634
  • Print and complete the request form on DTV2009.gov and mail or fax it in

Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?

Yes. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons. Supplies are limited, so request your coupons right away.

Can I request my coupons be sent to my P.O. box?

As of October 2008, you can now request that coupons be delivered to a post office box instead of delivered to a home address. When you submit a coupon request, either online, by phone, or by mail, you must provide both the post office box address to which the coupon(s) should be mailed and the actual physical address at which you reside.

Can residents of nursing homes, care facilities, or assisted living facilities apply for coupons?

As of Oct 2008, people who live in a licensed nursing home, intermediate care facility, or assisted living facility, can now apply to receive one coupon. The facility resident should submit the new Application for Nursing Home Residents (pdf), or a family member, friend, or facility administrator may complete and submit the application on behalf of the resident. Facility administrators may apply for coupons on behalf of more than one resident, following the instructions on the application. Nursing home or care facility residents cannot apply by phone or online.

Can I get new coupons if mine are lost or have expired?

As of March 2009, you can apply for replacement coupons if your coupons have expired without being redeemed.

  • If your household has already requested and redeemed two coupons, you will not be able to get additional coupons.
  • If you have redeemed one coupon and the other has expired, you may request only one replacement coupon.
  • If you have lost your coupon and it has not yet expired, you need to wait until it is schedule to expire to apply for a replacement. The expiration date is 90 days after it was mailed.

When I apply for a coupon, who collects my personal information? Is it secure?

Your information is collected by a government agency, not a private company, and will be used only for the purpose of sending your coupons. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone else, and your name won't be added to any mailing lists.

When will I receive my coupon?

You will receive your coupons in the mail a few weeks after submitting your request, along with information about using your coupons and a list of which converter boxes are eligible to be purchased with the coupons. Coupons expire after 90 days, so review your information packet as soon as you receive it. If you have already requested your coupons, you can check the status of your request to find out when your coupons will be mailed.

What will the coupon look like?

The coupons will look like a plastic gift card. They are red and include a serial number and an expiration date on the front.

How do I use my coupon?

The coupons work the same way a gift card does. Each coupon will deduct $40 from the price of one converter box, and you will pay the remaining amount of the purchase price. The $40 coupon is a discount, not a rebate, so it will be subtracted from the price of the box at the time of purchase. You will not be required to complete or send in any additional paperwork to receive the discount.

Where can I use my coupon?

When you receive your coupons in the mail, they will be accompanied by a list of local participating stores, and you can also view a full list of participating retailers online at DTV2009.gov. You can also use your coupons to purchase a converter box by phone or online, through certified retailers. There are currently more than 11,000 stores throughout the country where you can redeem your coupon toward the purchase of a converter box.

Do I still need to use my antenna after I get a converter box?

Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive over-the-air programming, you will need it after you install a converter box.

Which converter box is right for me?

There are more than 80 approved digital converter boxes currently available. Each one is a little different. It’s important that you get the right box for your needs.

For example, people who live in rural areas may need to choose a box with a stronger signal. Some boxes may be better for people who rely on closed captioning or who watch low-power broadcasts.

People with disabilities can refer to these resources for help in choosing a box with necessary features such as closed captioning or video description:

Some of the channels I watch are "low-power" channels. Do I still need a converter box?

Low-power television stations, which transmit to a small geographic area, are allowed to continue broadcasting an analog signal after June 12. If you wish to continue watching a low-power analog station after the transition, you should buy a converter box with "analog pass-through" capability which will allow you to receive both analog and digital signals.

More than half of the boxes approved for the coupon program have this capability. Check the list of approved boxes and look for the boxes marked with an asterisk.

Low-power channels include some stations in rural areas, as well as many community-based channels that provide foreign language, religious, and local programming.

If I live near the border, do I need a converter box to watch Canadian and Mexican channels?

If you live near the U.S.-Mexico border and watch Mexican TV stations, they are not included in the transition and most will continue to broadcast only in analog. Canadian stations will also continue to broadcast in analog until their own transition in 2011, but many already also broadcast in digital.

If you wish to continue watching a Canadian or Mexican analog station after the transition, you should buy a converter box with "analog pass-through" capability which will allow you to receive both analog and digital signals.

Where can I find out more information about the digital television transition?

Here are some other sites with more information about the DTV transition.

  • Official DTV Converter Box Coupon Program - Request your coupons, locate a participating retailer, or view a list of eligible converter boxes.
  • DTV Answers - An initiative of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
  • DTV Transition Coalition - A coalition of business, trade and industry groups as well as grassroots and membership organizations that share an interest in a smooth transition .
  • DTV Information - From the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).