On February 18, 2009 all over-the-air broadcast television signals will be digital. This means your older analog-only TV won’t receive an over-the-air signal without a set-top converter box. These digital-to-analog set-top converters are available from retailers and on-line. The federal government is giving consumers a hand by offering up to two $40 coupons per household to offset the cost of the set-top converters. Apply for your converter coupon at www.dtv2009.gov.

Here are some other important facts:        

• All new televisions sold today and many of those sold over the last few years have an on-board digital tuner for over-the-air reception. That means you won’t need a converter for those sets.
• If your television at home is receiving its signal though cable or satellite you may or may not need a converter box from your provider. This will depend on your service, as well as the type or age of your television. Check with your satellite or cable service provider for detailed information.
• An antenna will usually improve your over-the-air reception. A Digital TV can use the same antenna that you currently use for analog reception. Of course your reception will depend on your receiving location and the intervening terrain between your antenna and the transmission site on Lookout Mountain.