2009 DTV Transition
For more than 50 years, television broadcasters have sent their shows to your TV using analog signals. After June 12, 2009, all analog signals will be gone and TV stations will use only digital signals. The transition from analog to digital television broadcasting signals was originally slated for February 17, 2009, however, in early February 2009, the US Congress voted to postpone the transition until June 12, 2009, in order to give consumers more time to prepare.
In addition to offering better picture and sound quality and more programming choices, the transition to digital opens up valuable broadcast space and so will improve public safety for everyone by allowing police, fire and other public safety departments to communicate more easily with each other in emergency situations.
If your TVs are hooked up to cable or satellite, or if you have a digital TV with an antenna, you will continue to receive programming after the switch.
If you have an analog-only TV with a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears,” you will not be able to watch most TV stations after February 17, 2009, unless you purchase a converter box.
Converter boxes attach to your analog TV and let you continue to receive free television. With the converter box, you’ll receive a better picture and more channels. The antenna or “rabbit ears” you have should work with the new digital converter box. New converter boxes can be purchased at retail stores and cost between $40 and $70. To defray the cost of the converter boxes, the federal government is offering two $40 coupons per household to help pay for up to two boxes.
For more information about the digital transition, visit www.dtv.gov or call 1.888.CALL.FCC. For information about converters and coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1.888.388.2009.
You can also learn more about how to make the switch to DTV by watching an informational video.
Need help with the switch to DTV?
If you have an analog TV and plan to keep it, trained volunteer help is available to assist in connecting cables between the required converter box, antenna and television. To schedule an appointment, call the Minnetonka Senior Center at 952.939.8393. Volunteer students from the Minnetonka Christian Academy will visit your home to assist with your TV.
Recycling analog TVs
If you decide to purchase a new digital TV, remember that your analog TV may not be discarded in the trash—it must be recycled. The city of Minnetonka will host its next special one-day drop-off in June 2009, and charges a small fee for recycling electronics. For other recycling options, visit www.hennepin.us—search “dropoff.”
