A new era of television is here

Television as you know has changed. The new government-mandated digital broadcasting (also known as DTV) is required for use by full power TV stations. By law, full-power television stations nationwide must have ended their analog broadcasts and begun broadcasting exclusively in a digital format after June 12, 2009. It's called the "digital transition," a dramatic overhaul of the nation's full power over-the-air TV broadcasting system.

The new system gives viewers a clearer picture and more programming options, and will also eventually free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

It’s important for you to understand how this event affects you and your current television – especially if you receive your programming using an over-the-air antenna instead of cable or satellite service.

You will need to take action if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or any other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition.

Consumers have a variety of options which include:
1. Keeping your existing analog TV and purchasing a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after June 12, 2009. But the government will help you pay for it. Apply for your FREE $40 coupon at: www.dtv2009.gov
2. Connecting to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchasing a television with a digital tuner.

Video & Audio Center offers converter boxes for sale in-store only because we are unable to accept government-issued TV Converter Box Coupons for online transactions. To purchase a converter box using one of these coupons, please visit your local Video & Audio Center.

How to get even more information
Have more questions about television's digital transition? A number of organizations and government agencies have created helpful websites to answer consumers' questions. Here are a few:

www.dtv.gov
www.dtv2009.gov
www.dtvanswers.com
www.getreadyfordigitaltv.com/