What WILL You Do with Those Rabbit Ears?

The biggest change in TV broadcasting since the introduction of color in the 1950s is coming in 2009. It is the transition to all-digital broadcast television – a move that will improve the quality of TV for all viewers. As a leader in the industry, we’re making this information available now to you to ensure you have the right information to share with your family, friends and neighbors.

On Feb 17, 2009, TV stations will switch their over-the-air analog broadcasts to a digital television (DTV) format. This will only affect people who use a rooftop or rabbit-ears antenna. Those who are connected to FiOS TV, a cable or satellite service provider or those who own TVs with built-in digital tuners will not be affected.

The analog spectrum will be returned to the government, which will give some to public-safety services including police, fire and first responders. Other parts of the spectrum will be auctioned to private companies for uses such as advanced wireless services.

Starting January 2008, consumers who will be affected can obtain up to two coupons per household worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes. Converter boxes will switch the digital over-the-air broadcasts to analog formats. To learn all you need to know about the broadcast DTV transition and the coupon program, view an extensive Q&A.

If you are a FiOS TV customer, your FiOS TV service will not be affected by the broadcast DTV transition. If you have analog TVs that are not connected with FiOS TV, you might want to connect those televisions to the FiOS network instead of using a digital converter.

Verizon will eliminate analog programming delivered over the FiOS network that does not require a set-top box for viewing by Feb. 17, 2009. Separate information will be communicated to our FiOS TV customers about this transition. 

Please use this Q&A to help your family, friends and neighbors understand the broadcast DTV transition, its potential impact on them and how they can prepare for it. Of course, if they live in an area where our FiOS TV service is available, you can let them know that subscribing to it is one way to ensure a trouble-free transition.

See the Verizon News Center for more of the latest news