iTechSpeak :::...

Circuit City has been kind enough to provide an excellent public service announcement on their web site. The Congress has now passed legislation requiring all conventional "analog" TV broadcasting to stop on February 17, 2009. After that date, your local television broadcasters will be making only "DTV" broadcasts. If received via an antenna these broadcasts will require different TV tuners. Read more . . .

As of March 1, 2007, all new TVs must include digital tuners.

The bad news is TVs manufactured before 1998 will no longer receive TV broadcasts, if only an antenna is being used to receive free (advertiser sponsored) TV shows. A digital converter will have to be purchased and attached to these older television sets.

The good news is Congress has allocated funds for households, with pre 1998 televisions, to apply for a $40 coupon. With a maximum of two (2) $40 coupons per household, the coupon can used towards the purchase of a digital converter.

The details of the digital converter coupon program will be announced later in 2007. Click here to keep up with the latest on transition to digital TV transmissions February 17, 2009.