Big changes are coming to broadcast television. On Feb. 17, all full-power broadcast television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog signals and continue broadcasting in digital only.

Not everyone will be affected by this change. If you receive your local broadcast station through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, you won’t be impacted. However, if you have an analog TV with a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” on your set, you may need a digital converter box in order to continue to watch full-power broadcast stations.

This transition will benefit viewers in many ways. Viewers will enjoy improved picture and sound quality and new programming choices. All digital broadcasting will also allow for improved public safety communications.

While the federal government has set up a coupon program to help consumers with the cost of the transition, the funding for the program has been depleted. A waiting list has been started and those who apply for the coupons will be provided with a reference number so they can periodically check on their request. For more information on the coupon program, visit http://www.dtv.gov/  .

For more information on the DTV transition, use the following resources:
Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322)
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (835-5322)
Web site: http://www.dtv.gov/ 
E-mail: DTVinfo@fcc.gov