Digital Television: A New Way to Get TV
What you need to know about the transition to digital television
If you need help paying for a converter box and have not applied for a coupon you must do so before midnight on Friday, July 31, 2009. The National Telecommunications and Information Association will stop accepting coupon applications at that time.
Visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009, toll-free, to request a coupon or to receive coupon program information in English and Spanish.
Background
On June 12, 2009, the nation completed a TV technology upgrade. Broadcast television changed from analog to digital television (DTV). Basin PBS has been broadcasting in the digital format since 2003.
DTV Myths (PDF) >>
DTV Basics (PDF) >>
How does the DTV transition affect me?
If you receive TV signals through an antenna (for example, using “rabbit ears”) and you currently do not subscribe to cable or satellite, the TVs in your home are dark and you need a converter box.
The good news is you have three simple options to upgrade your sets in time for the transition to digital.
- Purchase a converter box for each television in your home that receives TV signals through an antenna. Coupons are available until July 31, 2009 to offset the cost of the boxes. See below for more details.
- Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. Some new sets are under $100.
- Subscribe to cable or satellite that carries the channels you want to watch. Basin PBS is available on local cable, Dish Network and DIRECTV.
What Is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
To help consumers who choose to purchase a converter box, the federal government has created a coupon program that will reduce the cost. Converter boxes run between $40 and $70. Each coupon is worth $40. In the Permian Basin area, check Best Buy, Radio Shack some grocery stores and Wal-Mart to find the converter boxes.
**The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is accepting applications from consumers whose coupons expired without being redeemed. The Program has completed processing approved coupon applications that were placed on a waiting list beginning in January 2009.
Click here to request coupons or learn more about redemption instructions, and which retailers will redeem them.
Or call 1-888-DTV-2009, toll-free, to request a coupon or to receive coupon program information in English and Spanish.
Need help setting up your converter box?
Converter Box How-to Guide (Spanish)
Basin PBS values your support. We are here to help you during this national upgrade. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about DTV.
