Presented by (Insert Name) DTV Transition Coalition

About the Transition to Digital TV: All full-power television stations must begin broadcasting only in a digital format by June 12, 2009. The date was originally set for February 17 in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, but the U.S. Congress approved an extension of the deadline to June 12.

What is Digital Television, or DTV? DTV is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it frees up the airwaves for other services, such as public safety. DTV offers better pictures and sound, more channels and even free over-the-air high definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets.

Who is Affected? Consumers who receive free over-the-air television using antennas on television sets that have analog tuners will be affected by the transition. Seniors, minorities, people with disabilities and rural communities are among the most affected populations.

Who is Not Affected? Households which have any TV sets with built-in digital (ATSC) tuners, or sets connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service, should not be affected. Check with your pay TV provider to see how it is handling the transition.

Three Options for Consumers to Make the Switch Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box; OR Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; OR Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service. These providers will continue to provide service for older analog TV sets.

Role of the Federal Government Congress appropriated $1.5 billion to fund a TV converter box coupon program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce, manages the coupon program.

Converter Box Coupon Program All eligible U.S. households may request up to two $40 coupons toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. You can apply for coupons online at www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.

What are DTV Converter Boxes? A converter box is an electronic device that hooks up to your analog TV set and antenna. Boxes cost between $40 and $70. You can purchase boxes at retailers nationwide, including Best Buy, Kmart, Radio Shack, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart and Amazon.com. Government coupons can be used toward nearly 200 converter boxes.

About the DTV Transition Coalition Founded on February 28, 2007. The coalition is comprised of business, trade and industry groups, as well as grassroots and membership organizations that share a vital interest in a smooth transition.  The coalition has more than 240 member organizations.

Coalition’s Mission No consumer loses free over-the-air television reception in June 2009 due to a lack of information about the DTV transition.

DTV Transition Coalition Steering Committee

DTV Transition Coalition Business Organizations Civil Rights and Grassroots Organizations Labor Unions Trade Associations Consumer Groups State and Local Government Organizations Open to any organization interested in a smooth transition

Useful Web sites: Federal Communications Commission: www.dtv.gov DTV Transition Coalition: www.dtvtransition.org Federal Communications Commission: www.dtv.gov TV Converter Box Coupon Program: www.DTV2009.gov Consumer-friendly DTV Information: www.DTVAnswers.com

How to Help Spread the Word about DTV Send action alerts to your organization’s membership Link your site to the DTV Transition Coalition’s Web site Distribute marketing materials about the transition Speak at community events and meetings Post information in your newsletters

Join the DTV Transition Coalition For information, please contact: Abbi Stuaan (NAB) at astuaan@nab.org or by phone 202-429-5357 Megan Pollock (CEA) at mpollock@ce.org or by phone 703-907-7668