FCC advises residents about digital TV conversion

Residents who use rabbit ear antennas to receive free television channels need to make some changes, because the analog signals their TVs have been receiving are about to become a memory.

The Federal Communications Commission is requiring all full-power broadcasters to eliminate their analog signals and switch to digital signals.

Residents who have digital televisions or are customers of most cable and satellite services won’t be affected by the switch, but those still using antennas to pick up local signals on older televisions will be.

Congress recently voted to extend the deadline for the switch from February to June 12, but the FCC wants people to make the adjustment as soon as possible.

“Congress felt the American people needed more time to prepare for the transition and also more time to get coupons for the converter boxes,” said FCC Enforcement Bureau Special Counsel Gary Schonman. “Some stations may choose to make the switch before then, however.”

By visiting http://www.DTV2009.gov or calling 1-888-DTV-2009, residents can apply for $40 coupons toward the purchase of a converter box, which is needed to allow older televisions that receive analog signals to pick up digital signals.

The boxes are available at most electronics retailers, and Schonman stressed that people with digital televisions or who are already subscribed to a paid TV service should not need the boxes.