Latino Issues Forum

DTV TRANSITION IMPORTANT UPDATES

The entire country is switching from an analog television broadcasting system to a digital television broadcasting system. Congress has passed a bill to delay the DTV transition and President Barack Obama has signed it. The DTV transition date has been extended from February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009.

Latino Issues Forum (LIF) supports increased outreach about the DTV transition and the allocation of additional funds to the Converter Box Coupon Program by Congress. LIF is working to ensure that no one in the Latino community is left without affordable television coverage after the transition.

What This Means for You

After the transition, you will not be able to use your television UNLESS:

1.You connect to a cable, satellite or other pay TV service.
2.You have a television with a digital tuner.
3.You purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after the transition. Converter boxes generally cost between $40-$70. Each household is eligible for TWO FREE coupons to purchase converter boxes. These coupons are worth $40 each.
4.If you do not have a pay TV service, a digital tuner, OR a converter box you may receive fewer channels after February 17, 2009. However, you should still have access to some TV channels until June 12, 2009.

How to Get Coupons to Purchase a Converter Box

The application for coupons is very simple and only requires you to provide your name, address, and the number of coupons you are requesting.

To apply online go to: www.DTV2009.gov
To apply by phone call: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
Deaf or hard of hearing callers: 1-877-530-2634 TTY (English) and 1-866-495-1161 TTY (Español)

To apply by mail write to: PO Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208

USE COUPONS IMMEDIATELY!
COUPONS EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 31, 2009

What to Do If You Have Expired Coupons

1. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on the front of the coupon.
2. If you ordered only ONE coupon and it has expired, you are eligible to apply for another coupon.
3. If you have ordered TWO coupons and they are both expired, please contact the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) and say that you need new coupons. Contact the Coupon Program online or by phone at 1-888-388-2009.
4. If you have ordered TWO coupons and they are both expired, you can also ask a relative, friend or neighbor to order coupons and give them to you.

What to Do If You Are on a Waitlist for Coupons

1.   If you apply for coupons now or have applied for coupons after January 5, 2009, you will receive a message that you have been placed on a waiting list.
3.   You will receive coupons on a first-come, first-serve basis, as coupons become available from new funding and funds are returned to the U.S. Treasury from expired coupons.
4.   You will receive a reference number that you should write down. Use this number to check the status of your order at the Coupon Converter Program's website or call 1-888-388-2009.
5.   LIF also recommends that you call your Congressperson and U.S. Senators representing CA in order to demand new coupons be issued before the transition.
What to Do If You Need Help Setting Up Your Converter Box
For assistance in setting up your converter box call 1-888-388-2009 or download a step by step guide.

What to Do If You Have Problems with TV After the Transition
If you are experiencing problems with your converter box or your television coverage during or after the transition, you should call the FCC for assistance at 1-888-225-5322.