South Carolina ETV
Digital TV 101: Your Old TV and Converter Boxes
Let's talk about your old TV set.
Up front, let's get one thing clear: if you have satellite or cable TV service, those sets will continue to work. Your cable or satellite provider will convert the signals for you -- in fact, they've probably been doing it for the past year without your knowing it. It will look and sound like the signal you've always gotten. You won't be seeing digital TV. They're turning new TV back into old TV so you can still see it.
Your old TV with the rabbit ears, though, the one not on cable or satellite, can't pick up the new signal. After February 17, 2009, that TV picks up snow.
You've probably heard something about some sort of converter box that lets your old TV get digital TV for about $60 bucks?
It's true, and you can. In fact, the government is actually giving away two $40 coupons to each household to purchase such a converter box from your local electronics store.
Not all homes need these coupons and so -- consumer alert -- they have a limited supply. If you need a coupon, apply now. We'll tell you how in a moment. You only need a coupon for a set uses an antenna -- a set that is NOT connected to cable or satellite.
A converter doesn't mean you'll get an HD picture, or even a digital picture, it means you'll get the same picture you've always gotten. A converter turns new TV back into old TV.
The simplest converters are about the size of a paperback book. They sit on top of your TV. You'll need to plug them in. You attach your antenna wires to one side of the converter, and run a wire from the other side of the converter into your TV.
The coupon resembles a red plastic gift card. Don't buy a converter until you get your coupon. The coupons only work with certain retailers on certain converters and only at the moment of sale.
Households will be able to apply for a maximum of two coupons. Coupons will be mailed to eligible households and will expire after 90 days.
One coupon can be used for one converter. A coupon is worth $40, converters start at around $60.
If you find a converter for less than $40, you won't get change back from your coupon. And on all transactions, you must pay local sales tax.
Coupons are not provided by your local TV station, but by the federal government. Here's how to get an application: www.DTV2009.gov
By Phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) for English and Spanish.
The English Text Telephone number is: 1-877-530-2634
The Spanish Text Telephone number is: 1-866-495-1161
The mail address is:
PO Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208
Finally, if you prefer to fax your completed application: 1-877-DTV-4ME2
For more information about ETV's Digital Television Services, contact:
Hap Griffin, Vice President, Engineering
Voice: (803) 737-3500
E-mail: hgriffin@scetv.org
ETV Administration Building
1101 George Rogers Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29201-4761
Phone: 803-737-3545
ETV Telecommunications Center
1041 George Rogers Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-737-9959