If you watch over-the-air TV either via a rooftop antenna or an indoor "rabbit ears" antenna, you have three options:
- Purchase and setup a Digital-to-Analog converter box Digital-to-analog converter boxes are available for purchase in stores, and must be hooked up to any TV in your household that currently uses an over-the-air signal. If your current antenna receives a strong signal for channels 2-51 you should not need any additional equipment. Digital-to-analog converter boxes will not convert your analog TV to high-definition (HDTV).The boxes are priced between $40 and $70. To help with the cost of converter boxes, the U.S. Government is offering up to two $40 coupons per household. For information on coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.
- Purchase a digital television Note that you do NOT have to buy an HDTV only a standard definition digital TV. If you get good reception on your current antenna for channels 2-51, you should not need to purchase a new antenna. For more information on the different quality levels of digital television, see the "More on Digital TV" section below.
- Subscribe to a paid TV service If your TV received local broadcast stations via a paid service provider such as cable or satellite TV, you are already prepared for the DTV transition.