Starting January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more details Click here: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

After February 17, 2009, people with analog tv sets will not be able to watch TV unless they take action to view digital broadcasts.

Why? The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasting by February 17, 2009. Following this digital television transition, consumers who receive over-the-air television signals on analog sets will need to take action to be able to view digital broadcasts.

The act also requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a program that subsidizes consumers' purchases of digital-to-analog converter boxes. The report examines progress made by federal entities and others in facilitating the transition and in educating consumers on the transition, DTV Reports

Important questions:

• How prepared are the government and the broadcast industry for the changeover?
• How aware is the public of the transition?
• Who is most likely to be affected by the change?
• What technical issues need to be resolved before the transition happens?

Preparedness remains a point of contention in the government.

DTV Reports

Your comments are welcome. Email Art

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)