Digital Television Transition
Sample Column - Specific for the Disability Community
Television goes digital on February 17, 2009, and it could determine whether you can continue to watch some of your favorite programs.
The government-mandated switch from over-the-air television signals to digital will provide clearer pictures, offer more channels, and free up broadcast spectrum for emergency personnel.
But it can also mean you might not have access to the TV shows you depend on.
An estimated one-third or more of over-the-air television viewers have disabilities. Without cable, satellite, a digital TV set, or a converter box, televisions in these households will simply not be able to view the new digital television broadcasts.
So there’s a lot at stake – namely, the ability of these households to maintain uninterrupted access to their key source of news and information and emergency warnings: free, over-the-air television. Just think about Hurricane Katrina or 9/11 without television.
But you don’t need to rush to buy a new television or subscribe to cable or satellite to keep your television from going dark.
What you need is a converter box. This will allow your current television set to receive the new digital signals.
To offset the cost of the converter boxes, the government has set up a free coupon program. Every U.S. household can apply for up to two $40 coupons.
Converter boxes cost between $40 and $70 and depending on your specific needs, the coupon may cover the entire cost of the box. This is a one-time cost that has no monthly fees.
But you must apply for the coupons now. Coupons are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are going fast.
If you don’t need the coupons, tell relatives, friends and everyone you know who has over-the-air television to get the free coupons, buy the converter boxes, and join the 21st century switch to digital.
People who depend on closed-captioning need to be sure to get the right converter box. Not all the converter boxes provide the same closed-captioning options.
You can request the coupons today by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), 1-877-530-2634 (TTY), or get yours online at www.DTV2009.gov.
When you receive your coupons in the mail, they will come with a list of local participating stores, a list of coupon eligible converter boxes, and frequently asked questions. You must use your coupon within 90 days.
There are more than 1,600 local stations already broadcasting in digital. Once you have the converter box, you’re set to receive – and enjoy – the new digital signals right away. So don’t wait. Get the coupon. Get the right box. Keep your TV.
