Asian American Households Need to Prepare for the Switch

The switch to all-digital broadcasting is quickly approaching and will offer consumers a clearer picture and more programming choices.  Television viewers with analog TV sets using a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" are at risk of losing their TV signal if they do not act now or before the end of year to request their converter box coupons.  
 

Asian American Households Need to Prepare for the Switch

The switch to all-digital broadcasting is quickly approaching and will offer consumers a clearer picture and more programming choices.  Television viewers with analog TV sets using a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" are at risk of losing their TV signal if they do not act now or before the end of year to request their converter box coupons. 
 
According to Nielsen data, nearly 10 percent of the more than 4.5 million Asian American television households are not ready for the switch.  This means that on February 17th, 2009 when the digital television transition occurs one - or all TVs - in these homes will lose their signal.

But consumers who want to keep using their analog TVs with an antenna after the transition can purchase a TV converter box using a $40 government coupon. The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is responsible for running the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, is providing up to two coupons per household upon request and recommends the following three steps:

Step 1: Apply
Apply for a TV Converter Box coupon now.  Coupons are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Each household can apply for up to two coupons online at www.DTV2009.gov, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), via fax at 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632), or by mail to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208.  Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish TTY).  

Step 2: Buy
Consumers should buy their converter box soon after their coupon(s) arrive in the mail.    Consumers will receive a list of nearby participating retailers with their coupons.  They should do their research swiftly and make a timely purchase that's right for them.  Coupons expire in 90 days from the date printed on the card. 

Step 3: Try
Once a consumer has purchased a TV converter box, they should try the box on their analog TV. This provides the opportunity to test the box and troubleshoot potential problems prior to the transition date.  Installing a converter box also provides the immediate benefits of a clearer picture and more channels, where available.  If you need further technical help, the Federal Communications Commission provides a useful guide at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/troubleshootguide.html.

While every situation is unique, consumers should allow a minimum of six weeks to ensure that their television signal continues to work prior to the nation switching to all digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009.

Source: U.S. Asian Wire