Installation Guide (PDF)

What is DTV?

DTV is basically the same thing you are currently getting if you use “rabbit ears” with a few major differences:

• High Definition Picture (looks better even if you dont have a HDTV)
• Better Sound
• More Channels (most channels actually have 2 channels, with one as primary and one with other programming. For example if you have channel 10 you would enter 10.1 for primary and 10.2 for secondary.

The good news: it’s still FREE! You have two options; either way you have to pick one by February 2009 or lose local channels. (So, unless you have cable or satellite, you now have no TV). You can:

1. Buy a DTV converter box (government coupons are available, reducing the cost to about $9 each) or
2. Buy a DTV-capable TV
3. For an additional monthly fee, most satellite companies can give you these channels through your satellite

Who needs a DTV Converter Box?

If you have to have an antenna (other than a satellite dish) you need converter boxes on any tv that does not have a built-in DTV converter. Most new tv’s have these. Otherwise, you will only see “snow” after midnight February 17th, 2009. If you have cable or receive your over-the-air channels through your satellite, you do NOT have to do anything, your service will continue uninterrupted.

How much do Converter Boxes Cost? Where are they sold? Can I put them in?

The converter boxes cost around $50 each. If you go to www.dtv2009.gov you can sign up to receive up to two $40 coupons redeemable for the converter boxes at participating retailers (Wal-Mart, Radio Shack). You can also buy Converter Boxes from local cable repair stores, but these likely will cost full price (or more). You can put these in yourself if you know how to hook up a VCR (or don’t know how and feel brave). See this post for  more information on installing these boxes. If you don’t feel comfortable putting them in yourself, don’t. There are lots of people willing to do this for you for a small fee (usually $25-$75 per box).

If you are having problems installing these boxes, post a comment below or email technologysolutions4@gmail.com

Click here for more information on the DTV Transition or to order converter boxes