Older Americans Must be Ready to Stay Connected as
Nation Goes to Digital TV
Senior citizens must vulnerable live alone, in remote
areas, low income, non-English speakers
By Josefina G. Carbonell,
Administration on Aging
May
12, 2008 - Television as we know it is about to change. On February 17,
2009, full-power television broadcasting will change from analog to 100%
digital, bringing with it a host of benefits. If you use rabbit ears
or a rooftop antenna with an analog television, your television will not
work after this transition date without taking some action.
Older persons, especially those who live alone, who
are in rural or remote locations, who are low income, or who are
non-English speakers, are more likely to be affected by this change -
but with advanced planning, no one needs to be left in the dark.
A Federal law enacted in 2006 requires all
television stations to switch their analog signals to digital by
February 17, 2009. The transition will provide important benefits
including a clearer picture, more channels, freed-up airwaves for
emergency first responders and wireless service providers.
Many individuals rely on their televisions for
news, entertainment or information during times of emergency. To ensure
that your televisions will work with the digital signal after February
17, 2009, you will need to take the following steps.
First, determine if the transition will affect your
household.
● If your televisions are connected to cable,
satellite or other pay services, then your sets will continue to work
after the transition. Call your pay TV service provider if you have any
questions about how your service might be affected by the digital
transition.
● Televisions with digital tuners that are
already built into the set will also continue to work. If you do not
know whether your TV has a built-in digital tuner, check the owners
manual or the manufacturers Web site.
● Analog televisions using an antenna to receive
over-the-air broadcasts will not receive programs after February 17,
2009, but there are options and assistance available for consumers.
To continue to receive programs after the
transition, you may select one of three options below:
1. Buy a new device available in certain
stores called a TV converter box that will plug into your existing
analog TV;
2. Buy a TV with a digital tuner; or
3. Connect your existing analog TV to
cable, satellite or other pay service.
A converter box connects to your existing analog
television and will keep your TV working after February 17, 2009. The
federal government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to
help pay for the cost of certified TV converter boxes.
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program, run by the
U.S. Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA), will mail coupons to those households
requesting them.
Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40
and $70. To apply for your coupon call 1-888-388-2009 or go online at
www.DTV2009.gov. Or write PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208; apply by
fax at 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632). Deaf or hearing impaired
consumers may call 1-877-530-2634 (TTY/English) and 1-866-495-1161
(TTY/Spanish).
Josefina G. Carbonell is the Assistant
Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
The agency she leads, the Administration on Aging.( AoA), is a partner
in the Federal governments effort to educate millions of older
Americans who may be affected by the digital transition.
