How can we tell if our TV sets can receive the digital broadcast signal?
Any set purchased since March 1, 2007, must contain a digital tuner - unless specifically labeled otherwise (warnings that analog-only sets would soon become obsolete were supposed to have been displayed "prominently" by retailers, according to the FCC). Look on your set or in the owner's manual for the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In," "Digital Receiver," "Digital Tuner," "DTV," "ASTC" or "HDTV." Find any of those, and your set should be OK.
If the set is labeled "Digital Monitor," "HDTV Monitor," "Digital Ready" or "HDTV Ready," it probably does not contain a digital tuner, and you'll need a converter box if the set is not on cable or satellite. If you have questions about specific models, it would be best to call the manufacturer.
How can I tell if my set is receiving a digital signal?
Turn it on and turn to one of the local broadcast channels - WJZ, for instance. If you can get not only WJZ, but also a second adjacent station that provides 24-hour weather, then you've got a digital tuner in your set. In another example of an adjacent digital station, WBFF-TV Fox 45 announced last week that its WBFF-DT 45.2 will launch as a "This TV" affiliate Jan. 12. It will offer viewers movies from the MGM library as well as some classic sitcoms and children's entertainment programming.
"With the FCC cutting off analog transmissions on Feb. 17, 2009, this is the perfect time to give our viewers another choice is excellent programming for free," said William Fanshawe, group manager for Sinclair Broadcasting's WBFF and WNUV.
Where can I get a converter box? And how much are they?
Boxes can be purchased at most electronics stores (Best Buy or Radio Shack, for example) and at many general retail stores, such as Wal-Mart or Target. The boxes generally cost from $40 to $70.
Can I get a coupon to help offset the cost?
Government-sponsored coupons, good for $40 off the price of a converter box, can be obtained by going to dtv2009.com or by calling 888-388-2009 (for TTY, 877-530-2634). Each household is eligible for two coupons. Caution: The coupons expire in 90 days, so don't dawdle too long before using them. Also, it can take six weeks to eight weeks for them to arrive in the mail, so if you haven't gotten one yet, get on it.
What happens to our old sets if we don't get a converter box?
