Madison Park

On February 17, 2009, full-power TV stations will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. For more information, contact Time Warner Cable at 1.800.TWCABLE or visit http://www.DTV.gov. As a Time Warner Cable customer, your TVs connected to cable will continue to display [the same/full-power/broadcast] stations. However, analog-only TVs that receive those stations via an antenna won't display them after 2/17/09 unless you take action. (Those TVs should continue to display low-power, Class-A and translator TV stations and work with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, etc.) One option: Contact Time Warner Cable at 1.800.TWCABLE to have those TVs connected to cable. (Installation fees may apply.) Other options: replace those TVs or buy converter boxes that will allow them to display DTV signals. The NTIA will provide up to two $40 coupons per household for the purchase of such boxes. For information, visit https://www.dtv2009.gov or call 888-DTV-2009

 https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx

Consumer Options

  1. What should I do to be ready for the television transition? Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. Consumers have a variety of options.

Options to explore 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 Feb. 17, 2009. It is expected to cost between $50 and $70 and be available in early 2008, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

If you're not sure what to do, take a quick quiz to help you figure out your options at http://www.dtvtransition.org/.

  2. Where can I purchase a converter box? Certified retailers can be found here and on the retailer website (http://www.ntiadtv.gov/) when coupon distribution begins. Consumers will receive a list of nearby participating retailers when their coupons arrive by mail.

3. Will I need to buy a new television after February 17, 2009? No, you will not need to get rid of your analog TV after February 17, 2009. If you receive your TV programs for free using an antenna-that is, your TV set is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service-you can purchase a TV converter box and plug it into your existing TV set to continue to receive TV programs after February 17, 2009.

  4. Do I need a converter box if I have cable or satellite? TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a TV converter box from this program to receive programs after February 17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009.

  5. Will I still need an antenna to receive programming? Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air programming, you will still need it after you install a converter box. In some cases, TV viewers may need a new antenna. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, please visit http://www.antennaweb.org/ and www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvantennas.html. These links will help you assess your antenna options.