The United States Congress Passed a law on February 1st 2006 that set a final
deadline for television stations to convert over the air analog TV broadcasting
signal to digital TV broadcasting by February 19th 2009.
This means that anyone receiving over the air broadcasts must have a digital TV
or a DTV converter box by that deadline to receive over the air programming. The
antenna that is used currently with analog receptions is ok for DTV broadcast as
long as the antenna receives UHF channels.
This is being done because DTV allows the same number of stations to broadcast
using fewer channels. This will free up valuable resources to be used by new
services. DTV also affords the viewer higher quality picture and sound.
As of March 1st 2007, all televisions sold in the United States must have
digital tuner. Also, as of May 25th 2007, all retailers must disclose any TV
receiving equipment that has an analog tuner only.
If you purchase a digital television, be sure it is has a digital tuner. Some
digital monitors are sold and additional equipment must be purchased to receive
over the air broadcasts.
Free $40 Dollar Voucher for HDTV to Analog Converter
The FCC is in the process of issuing $40 vouchers that can be applied to the
purchase of a digital to analog tv converter. The vouchers can be used at
participating dealers of tv signal converters. Maximum of 2 vouchers per
household. They will begin to issue the vouchers in February, 2008. This is on a
first come first serve basis.
Just click on the link below. Very simple registration process.
www.dtv2009.gov
