Converter Boxes — Your Quick-and-Easy Solution for Free Digital TV
Have you been watching your favorite OPB TV programs — for free — over the air with your older TV set, an antenna or rabbit ears? You still can.
You may have heard the federal government requires all TV stations switch to digital-only broadcasting after February 17, 2009. This is actually good news because you can keep your current TV set AND continue watching your favorite OPB TV programs — for free — after you make the digital switch. Not only that, you'll start getting better pictures, better sound and more channels as soon as you go digital.
Do you live in a rural area? Your digital conversion date will likely be later than February 2009. Find out more.
So how do you make the switch to digital? You don't have to spend a lot of money on a new digital TV. Instead, you can buy a converter box that will convert the digital TV signals into a picture that can be displayed on your analog television. And the federal government will even give you a coupon to help pay for the converter box, making the cost as low as $10 per box.
Once you've hooked up your set-top converter box, you can start watching digital television for free! Your converter box will come with instructions on how to connect it to your TV. For general guidelines, download this Converter Box Quick Start Guide from the Consumer Electronics Association.
Watch a video on how to hook up a converter box.
Not sure if you need a digital converter box?
Take this easy DTV Quiz to find out.
Do you live in a rural area? You'll need a converter box with an analog pass-through feature. Find out more.
Order your digital converter box coupon now!
The federal government has set up a special coupon program to make digital converter boxes affordable for everyone so you can continue to receive free television after you switch to digital.
Every household can request up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of digital converter boxes — making the cost as low as $10 per box.
There are a limited number of coupons available. To request your coupon, call 1.888.388.2009 or go to www.dtv2009.gov. Coupons are good for 90 days from the date issued.
Find a converter box retailer in your area.
See a list of coupon-eligible converter boxes.
Do you live in a rural area? You'll need a converter box with an analog pass-through feature. Find out more.
- Questions? Contact Us.
- Sign up for OPB's Digital TV Help List, contact us through our online form or call the Member Center at 800.241.8123.
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