Digital TV Conversion: The Time Is Now!

It’s only 67 days until the digital television transition on February 17, and December is the critical month. Since it may take as long as six weeks from applying for a government coupon to placing a converter box in operation,NOW is the time to apply for a coupon, buy a converter box and try it out!

Information on the transition, how to apply for the $40 government coupons, where to buy converter boxes, and how to install and use them is available at several websites:

http://www.dtv.gov/: Among other resources, this FCC website has outreach information for partners and consumer education materials on buying and installing converter boxes.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/: At this secure website you can apply for the $40 government coupons. Information is available here in 10 languages besides English.

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/: This NTIA website has links to apply for the coupons, and explanatory brochures in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

http://www.n4a.org/resources-publications/?fa=view-item&id=155: n4a is working to secure resources for AAAs and Title VI Native American aging programs to assist older adults in making a smooth transition. The website has free materials to help aging professionals and consumers get up-to-speed on this timely issue.

http://www.dtvtransition.org/: This is the website of the DTV Transition Coalition made up of business, trade and industry groups as well as grass roots and membership organizations that share an interest in a smooth transition. It has a variety of educational and presentation materials.