Still confused? Take the online quiz and find out how the DTV Transition will affect you. Click here.

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Viewers using an existing analog receiver with an indoor or outdoor antenna may purchase a "set-top converter box". This box - installed between the antenna and TV set - will convert the new digital signals to the longtime analog format and allow continued use of an older television set.

These new converter boxes typically retail between $60 and $80 and are available for purchase at many retail locations.

The US Government is offering a converter box coupon program -and all households in the country will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each - to be used toward the purchase of up to two (2) digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Consumers may request coupons by visiting this site - or by calling:

1-888-DTV-2009.

Hearing-impaired individuals can can use the NTIA's TTY service by calling: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY)
or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY).

You can also download a coupon application here and mail it to:
PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

Coupon applications may be faxed to:
1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

See the most recent list of Michigan Approved Retailers who are authorized to accept the converter box coupons here.

NOTE: Coupons are only valid for a 90-day period from the time they were mailed to consumers. It is important to use the coupon within the 90-day window as the program does not permit reissuing coupons to any household.

Having Trouble Finding Converter Boxes? We've received reports that consumers in some parts of the state find that the converter boxes are temporarily unavailable in their area. Converter boxes can be purchased through the internet or via toll-free numbers. For a list of retailers offering online and telephone purchase, click here.

Important: Do you watch Low Power Television Stations or Translator Stations? Find out if you do here. Many low-power television stations and translators will not be converting to digital on February 17, 2009 and not all DTV converter boxes will pass the signals of these stations.

Viewers of low-power television stations and translators will need to purchase a converter box that offers "analog pass-through" - or install a splitter and possibly an A/B switch to receive both the new digital and older analog television signals.

A complete list of approved converter box models - noting those providing "analog pass-through" is available here.

For more information on analog pass-through converter boxes as well as splitter-A/B switch options, click here.

Need 12 Volts for the RV? We've only seen one converter box with a 12 VDC power input. There may be others. This converter also offers analog pass-through. Here.

Installation of the set-top converter boxes can typically be performed by consumers with basic wiring skills - and is similar to the installation of a VCR or other video component. For a "help to" diagram to assist consumers click here.

Remember that you will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set; your current antenna may be adequate, depending on your reception conditions.

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Consumers who elect to continue to receive their local television service with an over-the-air (non-cable/satellite) antenna may find it neccessary to upgrade their existing indoor or outdoor antenna.

Digital television receivers, including the set-top converter boxes - require a strong, consistent signal from an antenna.

Depending on the distance from your local digital television station towers, it may be necessary to replace an indoor "rabbit ear" antenna with a suitable outdoor roof-mounted antenna to receive the local channels you desire.

In some cases - consumers with an existing outdoor roof-mounted antenna may find the need to upgrade to a larger, more powerful antenna - or may need to re-aim their current antenna as some local broadcasters may have had to relocate their towers for the digital transmissions.

For detailed information on specific antenna requirements at your address, visit antennaweb.org.

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