Digital TV Transition

Main Street Project helped more than 9,000 people get ready for the June 12 transition to digital TV. If you still have questions about the transition, check out the information below. Or contact the FCC at www.DTV.gov or 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

1. What is the digital TV (DTV) transition? 

By June 12, 2009 all full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels and broadcast using a digital signal only. According to the FCC, an important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads). Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband).

2. Do I need to take action?

If you have a television with an antenna, such as a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears and it doesn’t have a digital tuner, you need to take action before the DTV transition to continue to receive all the TV channels you get now.

If you have cable TV, satellite TV, or a pay TV service with an analog TV hooked up to your cable or satellite service, you do NOT need to do anything.  You will continue to receive all the TV channels you get now.  (You do NOT need to upgrade to “digital cable” or any other service.)

If you have a TV with a digital tuner, you also do NOT need to do anything.  Many TVs sold since 2004 have digital tuners. Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you are not sure that your TV is DTV ready.  If your TV has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC,” it has a digital tuner.

• Is your TV a DTV?

3. What are my options?

OR

OR

C) Purchase a TV with a digital tuner.This option is more expensive.
You do NOT need to buy a high-definition TV (HDTV) which is even more expensive!

4. Converter box coupons

As part of the transition plan, all U.S. households are eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes. Coupons expire 90 days after mailing (this may change - stay tuned).

The coupon program has reached is funding ceiling. However, you may add your name to the waiting list and coupons will be released when additional funds are allocated.

To apply for your coupons, go to www.DTV2009.gov, call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), or mail/fax in this application form (PDF) directly.

• List of Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes (CECB)

• Locate a converter box vendor near you

Donate your unused converter box coupon.

Each donated coupon purchases one DTV converter box for someone who needs transition assistance, It's easy -- just enter your coupon information on the DonateDTV.com site.

Donate your coupon today.

No-Cost Converter Box Option Now Available

Mosquito Productions (a small, locally-owned business) is offering a No-Cost Box for the DTV Transition. That means people who bring in a valid government coupon for $40, can walk out with a DTV converter box. No taxes. No extras. It's an even 1:1 exchange.

Three ways to get a DTV converter box:

1. Pick it up at the store.

Stop by Mosquito Productions with a DTV coupon and pick up a DTV converter box.

Mosquito Productions
1041 109th Ave. NE
Blaine, MN 55434

Phone: (763) 390-5700
Fax: (763) 390-0442

2. Order online at FreeDTVshop.com.

The online store is owned and operated by Mosquito Production and is both Better Business Bureau accredited and NTIA-approved for the government's DTV Converter Box Coupon Program.

Shipping is $6.95 each. Orders are shipped via Priority Mail 2 -3 day service.

3. Watch for an upcoming DTV event.

Main Street Project and Minnesotano Media Empowerment Project will be hosting a series of events around Minnesota in the next few months, working with Mosquito Productions to have No-Cost Boxes on site for purchase with coupons. Stay tuned to find out when and there these community events will be held.

5. More resources

• NEW FACT SHEET (EN/ES): Why rural isn't ready yet -- Challenges and recommended solutions (PDF)

• DTV for The People: a media relations blog advocating for a just and socially responsible transition, from MAG-Net (Media Action Grassroots Network) 

Note: Resources below were created with a Feb. 17 transition date -- and not the new June 12 final transition date. Updated resources will be posted as they become available.

•  Sign the DTV No-Cost Box Petition on Facebook

• DTV Q&A Flyer English (PDF)

• DTV Q&A Flyer Spanish (PDF)

• FCC DTV shoppers guide

• www.dtv.gov

• www.dtv2009.gov (for more information in English, Spanish and many other languages)

• Is your TV a DTV?

6. Trainings, Materials and DTV Support

To schedule a training, get information materials or hear more about the DTV transition, contact these individuals:

For general information, trainings, materials and support:
Main Street Project
Kathy Hiltsley
Email
612-879-7571

For bilingual trainings (Spanish), information, materials and support:
Minnesotano Media Empowerment Project
Steven Renderos  (Twin Cities/Latino)
Email
612-626-5357

For trainings, information, materials and support in Moorhead, MN:
People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP)
Duke Schemp
Email
218-236-5434

For more information on the Twin Cities DTV Outreach and Training Campaign or to get involved please contact:
Minnesota Local DTV Campaign Coordinator
Paula Fynboh
Email
612-465-8566 

7. Coalition partners

The Main Street Project is proud to be a part of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund's DTV Outreach & Training Campaign.
(LCCREF's DTV Outreach & Assistance Campaign is made possible in part by a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce.)

From December 2009 through March 2009, the Main Street Project together with our partners the Minnesotano Media Enpowerment Project and People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP) will be serving as one of the MN DTV Assistance Centers.

As a DTV Assistance Center, we will work with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund (LCCREF) and coalition partners, a Local Campaign Coordinator, and local allies to reach, educate, and provide DTV-related assistance to members of impacted populations and those who live in the local community.

DTV Assistance Centers will be hubs for information and technical assistance on the transition through trainings, events, creating special programs, and outreach to underrepresented communities.

Main Street Project is also proud to be the Minnesota anchor for MAG-Net (Media Action Grassroots Network) and will also be working with MAG-Net partners to ensure that historically underrepresented groups receive accurate and accessible information and organizing tools to address the DTV Transition.