Important reminders about the DTV Transition

Jake at Gov Gab has a great post about the DTV transition and a nice table to help you figure what DTV solution you need for the Big Switch. His table reminds us that if we watch TV on an analog television, we need to get a DTV converter box.

What is an Analog TV?

An analog TV is the standard TV that has been used in most homes for decades. Unless you have purchased a high definition television (HDTV) with a digital tuner, you have an analog television.

Where do I get a $40 off coupon for a DTV Converter box?

You can request a coupon at the TV Converter Box Coupon Program page. This link will take you to the U.S. Government's DTV Converter Box Coupon Program. If you are not comfortable submitting your personal information online, you can call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

A question about a Digital antenna to receive DTV was asked on Gov Gab site too.

Do I need a special antenna to receive DTV?

No, a standard television indoor, or outdoor, antenna works just fine for receiving over-the-air digital broadcasts. If you already have an antenna, then you just need a converter box and you are ready to watch digital TV. If you don't have an antenna, you can shop online through our antenna page, or at a local retailer. You do not have to pay extra for a "HDTV antenna." Any good television antenna will work.

How to Connect your DTV Converter Box

Basic Instructions on Setting Up Your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box

This Fact Sheet from the FCC describes the installation of a digital-to-analog converter box with your current antenna and analog TV. This guide will help you prepare so that when you purchase a converter box you will know what to expect and whether you may need help setting it up.

Supplies: You will need your analog TV, the antenna you have been using (indoor or outdoor), and the coaxial wire that currently connects your antenna to your TV (as pictured on the right). Your new converter box will come with a coaxial wire and a remote control. Before you begin the installation of the converter box, you should unplug your TV.

Step 1 - Unplug the existing coaxial antenna wire from your TV “Antenna In (RF)” port.

Step 2 - Plug the existing coaxial wire into the “Antenna In (RF)” port on your Converter Box.

Step 3 - Using the coaxial wire that comes with your Converter Box, plug one end into the “Out To TV (RF)” port on the Converter Box. Plug the other end into the “Antenna In (RF)” port on your TV.

Step 4 - Plug the power cords on your Converter Box and TV into a power outlet, and turn on your TV and Converter Box. Using the instructions that come with your Converter Box, tune your TV to channel 3 or 4. Using the remote that comes with your Converter Box, follow the on-screen set-up guide to scan for available DTV channels, and begin enjoying the benefits of Digital Television!

• If your Converter Box includes an "analog pass-through" feature, this set up will also allow you to receive any stations that still broadcast in analog in your area. Follow the instructions that come with your Converter Box for how to tune analog channels.

• For instructions on how to connect your converter box if it does not include an analog pass-through feature or for instructions on connecting your converter box to other components such as a VCR, go to www.dtv.gov or contact the FCC by e-mailing dtvinfo@fcc.gov; or calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY.