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WPBS-TV Prepares Audience for Shift to Digital TV

How can I see WPBS-TV’s enhanced digital channels?

Tune into Time Warner Cable, channel number 850 for WPBS-TV in digital format;

Channel 851 for WPBS-TV’s Create & ThinkBright multi-media digital broadcast services;

and channel 853 for PBS HD, a 24/7 high definition format channel.

If you use a cable company other than Time Warner, encourage them to carry WPBS-TV’s enhanced digital channels. If you use an antenna, you’ll need a TV with a digital tuner or a digital converter box. Channel Designations for non-cable customers are:
 

The U.S. federal government is gearing up for Feb. 17, 2009, the day when TV stations will stop broadcasting analog signals, which means that those old rabbit ears and rooftop antennas will no longer work with analog TV sets.

Consumers then will have three options:

1. They can buy new TV sets with digital tuners.

2. They can connect to cable, or...

3.  They can buy converter boxes that will allow them to receive digital broadcasts with their old analog TVs.



It's a long way off, but Uncle Sam wants you to start planning now. Come January, 2008, each U.S. household can apply for two $40 coupons to help buy the converter boxes.  "The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is on schedule and will be ready to take consumers' coupon requests starting January 1, 2008, as directed by Congress."

So far, eight of the largest consumer electronics retailers - Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart - have been certified to participate in the "TV Converter Box Coupon Program," along with more than 100 other retailers. They represent more than 14,000 stores throughout the country.


CONVERTER BOX COUPONS
On Jan. 1, U.S. households can begin to take advantage of the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Its aim is to help consumers buy converters that will allow them to use analog television sets to view digital programming.


Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, households will be able to request coupons while supplies last in one of four ways:

• -Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov.  This Website will be active on Jan. 1.

• -Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634

• -Mail a coupon application to: P.O. BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000

• -Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

There are no income guidelines for eligibility. The government will begin distributing coupons on Feb. 17, 2008, one year before the transition takes effect. For answers to more of your questions, go to: http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html#faq1