WASHINGTON
-U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M. today reminded New Mexico TV consumers that this Friday, June 12, is the day the United States will transition to digital television (DTV). On that day, all full power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog signal and begin broadcasting on digital airwaves. Consumers using antennas or "rabbit ears" to watch free, over-the-air television must obtain a digital converter box or risk losing reception after the transition occurs. Consumers who subscribe to cable or satellite TV, or those with a converter box for their analog TV will continue to receive television signal.
"The national transition to digital TV is just three days away, but it's not too late to prepare," said Udall. "I encourage every New Mexican who has questions about what they need to do, and those households that are still using an antenna, to visit the DTV transition website at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009."
According to Nielsen market surveys New Mexico has one of the highest percentages of unprepared TV viewers in the nation. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Udall has been working with the FCC to increase DTV awareness in the state. He also supported delaying the digital transition and increasing funding for converter box coupons to help make sure no New Mexico households were left in the dark.
* Consumers affected:TV consumers who are receiving television by antenna or "rabbit ears" or do not have a digital tuner in their television.
* Consumers not affected: Subscribers to satellite or cable television.
Digital TV Transition Helpful Tips:
* Help is available to consumers. The FCC has vendors across the nation to help consumers with the transition - including free in-home installations, as well as walk-in centers to provide additional assistance. For specific information on vendors in your area, go to www.dtv.gov and to enter yourzip code in the "Get Help Locally" tool. Or call 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and call center agents will assist in finding local resources.
* Try existing antenna first. In many cases, existing antennas should work, but may need to be adjusted once hooked up to the converter box or new DTV set. Consumers should make sure they have an antenna that receives both VHF and UHF signals. In some cases, a new indoor or outdoor antenna may be needed. If there are reception issues, use the Reception Mapping Tool at www.dtv.gov (enter address and see which stations are expected to provide a signal to that household).
* Rescan. Some TV stations are changing channels after June 12, so consumers will need to rescan DTV converter boxes or DTV sets to pick up new channels. In some cases, a "reset" is necessary to make sure the converter box or DTV set picks up the new station if there was another station using that channel previously.
* Coupons. If you haven't applied for a DTV converter box coupon, you won't receive it before the transition (it takes 9 business days to arrive once ordered), so alternative means might be necessary. Ask a friend or neighbor for an unexpired coupon, or consider purchasing a converter box without a coupon. Coupons are available until July 31 (or until funds run out) at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.
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