February 14, 2008

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today notes that the transition to digital broadcast television will take place on February 17, 2009, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  The Commission encourages television viewers to learn about the transition from analog television to digital broadcast television and how the change will affect them.

"The FCC has helpful information on this historic change and what it means for us as television viewers and customers," said MPSC Commissioner Monica Martinez.

"First, for those viewers who use the ‘rabbit-ears' style antenna or roof-top antenna to receive their television programming, they need to obtain a digital-to-analog converter box, if their television does not already contain an internal digital tuner.  Secondly, most cable and satellite customers should not be affected by this change and will not need to obtain the converter box.  However, these customers should verify this by contacting their cable or satellite provider."

To help customers with the digital broadcast television transition, the federal government has established the digital-to-analog converter box coupon program.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. Coupons are now available. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA's Web site at www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon , or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

Commissioner Martinez also noted that the FCC has established a Web site with additional information on the transition to digital television:  dtv.gov.  It also has a toll-free phone number to answer questions:  1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).

"All of us as television viewers need to be prepared by February 17, 2009 for the transition to digital broadcast television," Martinez added.  "Avoid a last-minute rush to retailers for the digital-to-analog converter boxes by using the coupons that are now available."

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.