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Are You Ready For DTV? Digital TV Transition Date Is Friday

The long awaited switch to digital television is Friday.  In North Escambia and the immediate surrounding area, 15,776 free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the June 12 switch have been ordered.

If you do not have a digital ready television and have not installed a digital converter box, your TV will stop working after the transition on Friday if you do not have cable or satellite. The government was handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, including replacement coupons for those that allowed coupons they had previously ordered to expire.

Here is the breakdown of how many coupons had been ordered in the North Escambia and surrounding area, as of the first week of June:

• Century, 32535: 1,490
• McDavid/Walnut Hill, 32568: 1,199
• Molino, 32577: 1,252
• Cantonment, 32533: 4,343
• Jay, 32565: 1,477
• Flomaton, 36441:  920
• Atmore, 36502-4: 5,095

While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter  box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running classic television programs . Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additional public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).

In order to get on the waiting list for a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70. They can also be ordered from several retailers online with the coupon.

If you still have questions, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has three events scheduled in Escambia County this week to provide more information and allow persons to apply for coupons in person. The FCC events will take place at

1. The Bayview Senior Center at 2000 East Lloyd Street Tuesday from 10:30 until 11:3o a.m.
2. Radio Shack, Cordova Mall, Tuesday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m.
3. Bands On the Beach, Pensacola Beach, Tuesday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.

Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:

On June 12, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after June 12, 2009.Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after June 12, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.

What is the significance of the June 12, 2009 digital TV transition date?

If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after June 12, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?

All U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed.

For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?

Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.

What can the public do to plan for the transition?

Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before June 12, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on June 12.