The Family and Social Services Administration's (FSSA) Division of Aging advises Hoosiers to begin preparing for the conversion to digital television (DTV). Currently, stations are broadcasting in digital and analog. However, after February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only. The DTV transition will affect those who watch free over-the-air television (through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears"). Those whose TVs contain digital tuners should be able to view digital over-the-air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box.

"We want to encourage everyone to be ready for the DTV transition taking place on February 17, 2009," said Aging Director Megan Ornellas. "Before the switchover, it is important to ensure that your TV is digital-compatible to allow yourself time to purchase and install a converter box if it is not."

To assist consumers with this transition, a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program has been established. The program will be administered by the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Every U.S. household is eligible to receive two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70 each. It may take up to 12 weeks to receive the coupons, which expire 90 days after being mailed.

Digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, in addition to multicasting, which enables several channels of programming to be offered at the same time. DTV will provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology and will provide consumers with more advanced wireless services. Another important benefit of the DTV transition is that it will free up valuable parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications, such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads.

For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit NTIA at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). For more information on the DTV transition, go to www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322.

For more information on FSSA, visit www.in.gov/fssa.

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