< Back to Tax Talk Issue Directory

What is the Digital Television Transition?

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Many rumors about the digital television transition exist, including a false story that a new TV must be purchased by the date of this transition. Please read the following to understand how this transition will affect you and your family. Consumers have the following options:

Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after February 17, 2009.

• Connect to cable, satellite or other pay TV service.
• Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

Any TV (analog or digital) will work if it is connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service. If you use an analog TV and receive broadcasts using an antenna, such as “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, you will need to purchase a converter box.

When TV converter boxes are available, retail stores will set the price. TV converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70. The Federal government permits each U.S. household up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of the converter box. After applying the coupon, participating retailers will charge consumer the remaining balance of between $10 and $30.

Request a coupon at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). National retailers selling the converter boxes are Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, Radio Shack, Sears and Wal-Mart.

Note: Persons with battery-powered TVs for use during power outages (hurricanes): Portable, battery-powered analog TVs may be able to receive over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009 if they have the necessary plugs to allow them to be connected to a digital-to-analog converter box. Because it is not anticipated that battery powered digital-to-analog converter boxes will be produced, an external power source would also be required.