In February 2009 the original digital conversion date of February 17, 2009 was rescheduled by the Obama Administration. Now, on June 12, 2009 over the air broadcasts will switch from broadcasting the old fashioned analog way to digital. In geek terms, it's sort of like when we all went from VHS to DVDs, only for TV. We already live in a digital world... CDs, DVDs, computers/Internet, telephone switching, your car's ignition, most modern appliances, etc... so converting TV to digital is just a natural progression of modern technology. The current NTSC broadcast standard was set in 1953! You remember 1953? 1953 gave us President Eisenhower, Peter Pan and James Bond, Denny's, the UNIVAC 1103, TV Guide, Corvettes and MatchBox cars, Cheez Whiz and Jello-O, TV dinners, artificial diamonds, the H-Bomb, and Father Knows Best ... but I digress... :)

Why February 17th, 2009? Several years ago the FCC sold the frequencies that TV now uses. The frequencies are low and great for traveling through things, like buildings, at a lower power. Companies paid billions of dollars and they want to use them for wireless broadband and public safety but they can't until all the TV stations quit using them. Since 1996, a lot of bickering back and forth, lawsuits, and hearings, President Bush finally signed the legislation (February 2006) that set February 17th as the date that all the TV stations must shut off their old analog transmitters. The FCC re-issued TV stations new frequencies and gave them ample time to get ready. The US is actually behind as most of the world has already changed to digital TV.

Most local over-the-air broadcast stations (WLFI, WRTV, WNDY, etc...) have already got their digital transmitters going. "digital television can allow higher-quality images, sound, and more programming choices than analog "- Wikipedia Mulberry TV receives it digital and keeps it digital all the way to your set-top box where it is converted for you. Mulberry TV customers don't have to do anything. Digital conversion is already being done for you on the set-top box we provided.

If you receive any or all of your TV broadcast from and antenna and you don't have a new TV with a built in digital tuner, after midnite, on February 17th, you will not be able to receive TV anymore. You don't have to buy a new TV, although some sales people are telling customers that. What you need to do is purchase a digital TV converter/tuner. A digital tuner costs between $50-$100 and can be purchased at just about every discount store and electronics retailers. The tuner will extend the life of your TV set. The FCC has set aside money for coupons that discount the converter box by $40. Register at dtv2009.gov ro receive your discount cards.

Q. I bought a new TV a couple years ago, will I need to get a digital tuner?
A. The FCC mandated any TV made after March 1, 2007 have a built in digital tuner. Any TV purchased after that date, the store was required by law to disclose that it didn't have one. If you are still not sure, read the manual that came with your TV.

Q. There are so many digital tuners, which one should I get?
A. There are a lot of different ones with different features. Do your homework. Find one with the features you want in your price range.

Q. Can I get HDTV with new external digital converter/tuner?
A. If your TV set couldn't do HDTV before, it won't with the digital tuner.

Q. Where can I get my $40.00 discount coupon.
A. You must register at dtv2009.gov. You can get 2 per household. The coupon is good for 90 days, only towards the purchase of a digital converter/tuner, and non-refundable.

Q. I am still confused, where can I find more information?
A. There are many websites with information. Do a google search for 2009 digital tv conversion. Several other good sites:

• dtv.gov The FCC's digital TV conversion information site
• dtv.gov The FCC's digital TV conversion information site
• FCC The FCC's Consumer facts

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