Ask Sid: About the Switch to Digital TV

Q. How do I know if I need a converter box?

A. You need a digital-to-analog converter box if you currently get signals via an outdoor antenna or rabbit ears and if you don’t subscribe to cable or satellite service.

You don’t need a converter box for any TV with a built-in digital tuner—which includes all high-definition flat-screen TVs, all sets made since 2007 and many sold since 2004. If you’re not sure about your TV, check the packaging, the owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s website or the back of the set for a sticker that says “ATSC” (Advanced Television Systems Committee).

Most cable or satellite subscribers—even with basic plans—will not need a converter box, no matter how old the set. However, you’ll need a converter for any analog TV not connected to cable or satellite, even if other sets in your home are. Some satellite subscribers may need a converter for analog sets in order to get certain stations. Check with your provider.

Q. How does the coupon program work?

A. To offset the price of the converter boxes—which typically cost $50 to $70—you can get up to two coupons per household, valued at $40 each, under a government program that continues until March 31. These coupons can be redeemed for an instant discount, so your cost is generally $10 to $30 per converter. No mail-in rebates are needed.

You can apply for the coupons in several ways:

* To complete the application, click here.

* Call 1-888-388-2009 toll free. Callers with hearing impairment should call 1-877-530-2634 toll free.

* Print an application form and mail the completed form to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

* Fax the completed application to 1-877-388-4632.

Coupons will be mailed to you and are valid for 90 days. They are redeemable by certain retailers for specific converter models.

* Click here for a list of stores and online retailers accepting the coupons. You might want to call ahead to make sure the store has boxes in stock.

* Click here for a list of coupon-approved converter boxes.

Q. How do I check the status of my coupon application?

A. Most coupons will arrive within one month after you apply for them. Click here to see a schedule of mailing dates.The site also enables you to check the status of your submitted application.

Q. When should I buy the converter box?

A. They are available in stores now, and once you have your coupons you can buy and connect the converters anytime on or before Feb. 17; some 1,600 television stations across the country already broadcast in digital.

Q. Will I get more cable channels or other services with a converter box?

A. No. With the converters, you continue to get your current free, over-the-air television service—with less interference and better picture and sound than with analog signals. But you will not receive additional cable channels, such as HBO or CNN, unless you subscribe to them. To get high-definition TV, you must both have an HDTV set—those TVs are digital-ready—and subscribe to high-definition services provided by cable or satellite.

Q. Do I need any particular features on the converter box I buy?

A. You will need a converter box with an “analog pass-through” feature if you receive broadcasts from low-power stations—which often serve rural areas—and do not subscribe to cable or satellite. This is because these stations are not yet required to switch to DTV. Click here for a state-by-state listing of low-power stations.

Q. Do I need to buy a new TV, VCR or DVD player?

A. No. With the converter box, existing analog TVs, VCRs and DVD players will work. However, after the switch, to record a program you must connect the input of the VCR to the output of the converter box. And you must set the tuner in the converter box to the channel of the program you want to record before the program begins.

Q. Do I need a special antenna?

A. Probably not. Most households that already get good reception with an indoor or rooftop antenna should be able to get DTV reception once their converter boxes are connected. Click here for more information about receiving local broadcast channels.

Q. How do I connect the converter box to my TV?

A. Converter boxes should come with installation instructions. For newer TVs, simply match the color-coded connections on the back of both units. With older TVs that do not have these red, yellow and white inputs, get installation advice where you buy the converter box.

Q. Can I watch TV on a battery-powered set outdoors once the switch is made?

A. Not unless it has a digital tuner. Like VCRs and DVD players, the converter boxes are plugged into a wall outlet.

Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life, published by AARP Books/Sterling.