The Greenwood Public Library held a DTV transition presentation. Chairman of the FCC, Kevin Martin, made the presentation to a group of about 150 people. After a short presentation explaining the cause and need, for the digital converter box. Martin answered many citizens’ questions.

    The majority of the presentation made addressed the issue of why the analog signal was no longer being used and digital was the airways choice after February 17^th.

   Also was a big concern was the issue of the analog converter box. Who needs one, and why, was a constant repeated question in various forms of asking. It was difficult for some of the older people to understand. Additionally many could not get a straight answer as to who would need the converter.

   The issue of additional channels being used under the new digital format was confusing. And adding to that dilemma was that many broadcasters would still keep the analog signal channels and broadcast them on UHF frequency.

Here are some basics to help you…

Do you have a TV in your home that works with the help of "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna?

     If so, you should be aware of an important change in broadcasting coming in February 2009.

If you receive free TV using an antenna and your TV is not digital, you need to take action sometime before February 17, 2009 so you can continue to receive programs after that date.

   What's this about? The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires TV stations to stop broadcasting in analog and to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. The digital transition will provide a better viewing experience for consumers and help emergency responders protect your community.

    The Act created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to use their analog TVs after the transition. The Federal government is offering US households up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not need a converter box to receive programs after February 17, 2009.

What do I need to do? For each analog TV you own, you need to decide before February 17,2009 how you would like to get programming after the change to digital.

What are my options?

Buy a converter box that will plug into your current TV,

Buy a TV with a digital tuner,

Connect the analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

More information can be found online at www.DTV2009.gov.

How do I get a coupon? Apply online or by phone. You may also mail in or fax a Coupon Application. You may request one coupon now and one later, but no more than two coupons per household are allowed. Coupon supplies are limited. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.

Requests must be received by March 31,2009. Contact information is listed below.

ONLINEwww.DTV2009.gov

 

BY PHONE 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

Deaf or hard of hearing callers: 1-877-530-2634 TTY - English 1-866-495-1161 TTY - Spanish

By Mail:

PO Box 2000 Portland, OR. 97208

 

 

A converter box is a new product available beginning in 2008 that makes analog-only TVs work after February 17, 2009. A certified converter box is expected to cost between $40 and $70