Television broadcasters test
mandated digital signal today

Is your TV ready for the change coming in 2009? BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER Throughout the day today, Washington State will be conducting its analog to digital transmission of its television broadcast signal.

In an attempt to make the residents of Lake Stevens, Granite Falls and all other towns and counties in Washington aware of the mandated switch to the digital television signal, local television broadcasters will be turning off their analog signals as a test.

This test is a reminder to those who currently use antennas with their analog television sets to watch free, over-the-air television channels that they will not be able to receive the free signal via their indoor or roof-top antennas after Feb. 17, 2009.

If you do not receive a television signal today you will be directed to call a telephone number provided on your television screen to help prepare you for the upcoming switch.

The Government mandated switch to 100 percent digital television will take place on Feb. 18, 2009, when all television broadcast stations across the country will shut off its analog signal in favor of the digital signal.

This does not mean you will need to rush out and purchase a new high-definition (HD) television set, those who subscribe to satellite or cable television services may not need to make any changes at all but may want to contact their service provider to be sure.

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog sets after Feb. 17, 2009 to receive broadcast TV.

The Coupon Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, which can be redeemed toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. The coupons are redeemable for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers.

A list of local retailers selling converter boxes is printed on each coupon, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase, and expires 90 days after mailing.

Between now, and March 31, 2009, coupon requests can be made while funding is available in four ways:

Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov;
Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634;

Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000;
Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

blog comments powered by Disqus