What you need to know about DTV. You must get rid of tour old television by June 12, 2009 or purchase a TV converter box. We have been hearing about this for years but its finally happening at midnight on June 12, 2009. All stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and will have to switch to 100% digital broadcasting. With digital broadcasting you will get a clearer picture and will have more programming options. This will also free up the airwaves to be used by emergency responders. The govermnent has given us 4 more months to get our digital converters.  You can find them for less than $60 and with the coupon you will save over 60%.  I saw one for sale at Circuit City for 39.99.  This would have gotten you the converter for free. 

What does this mean to you and me? If your TV is already connected to cable, satellite or any other pay TV service you do not have to worry about anything. If you do not have one of these services then you will require a TV converter box. The good news for you if you do not want to upgrade your service is that Congress has a new Program for you. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program. If you want to keep using your analog TV after February 18, 2009 you can obtain up to two coupons worth $40 dollars that can be applied toward the cost of eligible TV converter Boxes.

If you are interested in Congresses TV Converter Box Coupon Program you can apply for you two coupons at here. You will receive your coupons in one month after applying. Warning! Once you receive your coupon you have to use it withing 90 days of receiving your coupon. The coupons started to be distributed on February 17, of this year. Once you apply you will get confirmation if you have been approved or not approved. Only two coupons per household will be allowed. If you already applied for your coupon and have not received it you can check if its been mailed by visiting here. When you apply for your coupon the Government website will give you a Reference Number for you to check your status.

TV Consumers have some options that they can explore with the new changes.

1. Purchase a New Telvision with a Digital Tuner.

2. FInd a service like cable, satelite or other pay for TV Service.

3. Keep you Analog Television and purchase the TV converter box. By purchasing this you can plug the converter box into your TV and it will keep workign after February 17, 2009.

4. Stop watching Television in the United States.

You can purchase your new TV Converter Box at these locations and use you coupons you got from the government.

Retailers

* Best Buy

* Circuit City

* RadioShack

* Wal-Mart

You can also find a TV Converter Box online at:

* BSAT e-shop at dtv.bsat.net

* Compu Parts and More at www.compupartsandmore.com

* Consumer Electronics Group at www.consumerelecgroup.com

* Data Action LLC at www.data-action.com

E & E Electronics at www.digitalstar.com

* Mosquito Productions at FreeDTVShop.com

* SavingLots at www.savinglots.com

* Solid Signal at www.solidsignal.com/dtv2009

You can also visit DTV2009.gov for more locations.