Set your clocks for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008. This Wednesday, full-power TV stations in Minnesota and 28 other states will voluntarily participate in a nationwide analog shut-off test. The FCC is organizing the nationwide soft shut-off, which will last for five minutes at 6:30 p.m. local time.
During the test, TVs receiving analog signals will display a red banner with text on the screen alerting viewers that they must take action to continue receiving TV programs after Feb. 17, 2009. TVs receiving digital signals will display a green banner with text confirming that their TV is ready for the DTV conversion.
Please share this information with others in Minnesota. Encourage people to watch a local Minnesota TV station at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2008 to confirm whether or not they need to take action.
Participating local TV stations will likely include:
Channel(s): 2,4,5,9,11,17,29
Remember:
If your TV displays a red banner during the tests, you must take action to continue receiving TV programs after the DTV conversion on Feb. 17, 2009.
Here are your choices:
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box.
A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17. Most converter boxes cost $50-$70. Using the TV Converter Box Coupon, you will pay $10 – $30.
OR
Connect to a cable, satellite or other pay-TV service.
This option is more expensive. You do NOT need to subscribe to digital cable.
OR
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
This option is more expensive. You do NOT need to buy a high-definition TV (HDTV) – even more expensive!
For more information in English, Spanish and other languages, visit www.dtv2009.gov.
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