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What's Up With The Digital Switchover?
RemotesExpress Blog: March 13, 2009

Have you been puzzled by the scrolling text along the bottom of your television screen with an alert that some televisions may not be able to receive broadcast signals after February 19, 2009?

Cable television or DSL users do not need to be concerned, However if you rely on antennas, including outside antennas or "rabbit ears" to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners, you will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on analog TVs. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality.


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(ex.: RM-Y116, MR3259)

Many electronic retailers near you as well as companies online carry these necessary converter boxes. TV converter boxes usually cost between $40 and $80. There is also a program sponsored by the NTIA that offers $40 coupons to qualifying households. For more information on this program call 866-296-1107

The converter box will not eliminate the need for your current television antenna. If after you have installed your converter box you are having reception problems using your existing antenna, you may want to contact either your local broadcaster or the retail store where you purchased the converter box.

This is important information for you if you are currently using an antenna for television reception and should not be dismissed if you wish to continue normal television viewing. Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after stations in your local area stop analog broadcasting, which will occur no later than June 12, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action now. Most consumers who purchase a converter box today connect it to their existing television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television immediately.