ARE YOU READY FOR DIGITAL TV?

The deadline for all full power television stations to be in full digital quality is February 17, 2009.  That means the type of signal used for many years, known as analog, will go away.  Right now, WTVA, WLOV and WKDH all broadcast a digital signal.  Is your television set ready to receive those digital signals ?

It may be that you will not have to do anything to make the move.  If you will continue to receive your signal from a cable system, satellite provider, or any other type provider, you will automatically get the new digital signal from that system no later than next February.  If you have a television set that already has a digital receiver and you receive your signal via an antenna or rabbit ears, you will not have to make any changes.

However, if your TV only has an analog receiver and you receive your signal by antenna or rabbit ears, then you'll need what is called a converter box.  Many retail stores sell them.  They cost anywhere from around $50 to $80.  To help cover that cost, the federal government will issue residents up to two (2) coupons worth $40 dollars each.  You can only use one coupon for each converter box.  And, here is also an important thing to remember—those coupons are only good for 90 days after they are issued.

To help answer further questions or to order the coupons, you can go online at www.dtv2009.gov. There is also a toll free number to order the coupons, 1-888-DTV-2009.