Analog Television Goes Digital.

U.S. Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Meredith Baker shares the Good News.On February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will cease analog broadcasts and will switch to digital broadcasts, as required by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. The digital transition will impact every American, especially those that rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts on an analog TV. It is important that every U.S. household is aware of the digital transition, especially seniors, minorities, low-income, disabled and rural populations who will be disproportionately effected. To assist consumers in the transition, the U.S. Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is implementing the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. The program allows all U.S. households and its territories to request–on a first-come-first-served basis–two, $40 coupons to help purchase eligible digital converter boxes, starting January 1, 2008. Analog televisions will not work after February 17, 2009, unless the analog TV is connected to a converter box that switches the digital signal to an analog format, or the analog TV is connected to cable or satellite service. It is critical that Americans learn about their options to make the digital transition. NTIA Administrator and Commerces Acting Assistant Secretary and Administrator Meredith Baker in the Good News Broadcast Studio discusses the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and NTIAs plan to ensure that everyone knows the choices to transition to digital TV. This perfect Leap Year into the future story was taped on February 29th. For more information about the Coupon Program, go to http://www.dtv2009.gov”>www.dtv2009.gov