If the channels on your television are showing static Friday, do not panic. On that day, television stations nationwide will begin broadcasting only in digital. A digital TV (one with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming. However, if you have an analog TV, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set.
Is my TV digital? All digital television sets have labels or markings that may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV.” If you don’t find that by checking the label, contact a retailer or the manufacturer. Also, all TV sets sold after March 1, 2007, were required to include a digital tuner.
How can I obtain a converter box? You can purchase a converter box at most major stores that sell electronics, including Best Buy, Kmart, RadioShack, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. You can also order them online or by phone.
What are the benefits of a converter box? The converter box allows you to keep receiving free TV. With the converter box, your picture will improve and you’ll have access to more channels. An antenna should work with the box.
How much do they cost? Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70. This is a one-time cost.
What if I can’t afford one? Through July 31, you can obtain two $40 coupons per household from the U.S. government to help pay for up to two boxes. The coupons may only be used for converter boxes sold at participating retailers. For more information, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call (888) 388-2009 (voice) or (877) 530-2634 (TTY).
If I have satellite or cable, do I need a converter box? It’s possible. Contact your cable or satellite provider and ask what you will need and when. Cable subscribers may need new digital-television equipment to view programming in digital format. Satellite subscribers may need new digital TV equipment to receive and view high-definition digital programming.
Who can help me set up the converter box? Call DTV centers at (888) 225-5322 for assistance. Other contacts include:
Southeast Asian Community Center: (415) 885-2743. Visit 875 O’Farrell St., S.F., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F till June 19.
Self-Help for the Elderly: (415) 677-7600. Visit 407 Sansome St., S.F., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F till June 19.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging: (800) 336-2722.
Communication Service for the Deaf: (877) 388-4968 (voice) or (877) 889-4273, or visit www.c-s-d.org.
Can I have someone come to my home to install my converter box? Yes, and the in-home service is free. You can call Best Buy at (877) 229-3889; Deployment Essentials LLC at (831) 970-0411; and Koring Group LLC at (800) 310-8515 for assistance.
