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Television Makes the Switch to Digital

Background

On June 12th, 2009, television in America underwent one of the biggest changes since the transition from black-and-white to color. This change from analog to digital broadcasting affected the millions of Americans who were using analog TV sets to view free over-the-air broadcast programming.

Senator Amy Klobuchar serves on the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications issues. While the transition was smooth for the majority of Minnesotans, Senator Klobuchar wants to help Minnesotans experiencing any issues with this major change in television broadcasting. On this page, you will find guidance on what you will need to do if you are encountering problems.

What Changed

On June 12, 2009, television broadcasters in the U.S. stopped sending analog signals and switched to sending television signals only in a digital format. Digital television (DTV) provides clearer pictures and sharper sounds, while freeing up airwaves for emergency first responders and new wireless communications.

As a result of this switchover on June 12, 2009, an analog TV set is no longer able to receive broadcast signals without a digital converter box (a small box that connects to the TV set and converts the digital signals to analog signals).

Who Is Affected

This change directly affects ONLY people who were receiving free over-the-air broadcasts on their TV sets. It does NOT apply to people who receive all of their TV service through cable, satellite or other paid service.

However, many households have multiple TV sets and not all of them are connected to cable or satellite systems. Any TV set that used to receive broadcast signals will need to be digitally-equipped in order to continue to receive broadcast programming.

Also be aware that if you cancel your paid service or your service is disrupted (for example, by a storm), your TV will not receive broadcast signals unless it is digitally equipped.

What TV Sets Are Affected

The newer your TV set is, the more likely it is already equipped to receive digital broadcast signals. Manufacturers first began offering TV sets with digital tuners in the late 1990s. In the past several years, nearly all new TV sets have included digital tuners.

To determine whether your current TV set is able to receive digital signals, check the owner's manual or the TV set itself to see if it includes either an integrated HDTV tuner or an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also check by looking for your TV make and model on the manufacturer's Web site.

Be aware that a TV set designated as "HD-ready" or "HDTV monitor" does not have a built-in digital tuner. This type of TV set will still need to have a converter box to receive broadcast signals.

Help Is Available

Minnesotans experiencing technical difficulties, such as an inability to receive one or more digital channels, should call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-800-CALL-FCC or visit:

Additionally, to assist American consumers with the digital switchover, Congress created a fund to help offset the cost for consumers to purchase converter boxes for their TV sets. The typical cost of a converter box is between $50 and $70.

Consumers can request a coupon worth $40 to be used toward the purchase of a converter box. Each household can receive up to two coupons. Please note that you must order your coupons before July 31, 2009, and you must redeem the coupon within three months after it is issued. Please see information below on how to order coupons.

Please also note that consumers who previously received coupons but were unable to redeem them during the three-month expiration period, may request replacement coupons for their expired coupons.

The coupon can be used at a wide variety of consumer electronics retailers, including Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart. The coupon is good only for the purchase of a converter box. It cannot be applied toward the purchase of a digital TV set.

The coupons are available until July 31, 2009.

What You Need To Do

There are several ways you can request a coupon:

• Apply online by going here www.dtv2009.gov
• Call the 24-hour hotline, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530- 2634
• Download the application here, then mail or fax it to:

P.O. Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208-2000
Fax: 1-877-388-4632

For more details about the digital television transition, click here http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html

Senator Klobuchar's Efforts

Senator Klobuchar has worked hard to help consumers understand the switch to DTV. Earlier this year she partnered with Minnesota-based retailer Best Buy and officials from the Minnesota AARP and the Minnesota Broadcasters Association to help raise awareness of the upcoming switch to DTV.

Last summer, Senator Klobuchar and her senate colleague Orrin Hatch of Utah took several steps to aid in the awareness effort. They co-sponsored a bill designating August as DTV Awareness Month and recorded a public service announcement explaining the DTV transition and how consumers can receive transition help from the government.

Last year, Senator Klobuchar's staff made visits to Minnesota cities to educate consumers about the transition. During visits to St. Cloud, Brainerd, Virginia, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Alexandria, Marshall and Mankato, Senator Klobuchar's staff informed Minnesotans about the upcoming transition and what they can do to prepare for the switch. Many of the visits included employees from electronics retailers to explain and demonstrate the switch to DTV.

Following word from the previous Administration that funding for the coupon program had run out, Senator Klobuchar sponsored a bill in January of 2009 to restore funding for the coupon program and extend the transition date in order to help consumers make a smooth transition to digital television. That bill was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Obama.

If you have any questions or need help, call Senator Klobuchar's Office here