At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. As a result, analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna or rabbit ears will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009 to ensure that their television sets continue to work.

 

Consumers have a variety of options to explore including:

 

1. 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, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

If you are not sure what to do, click here to take a quick quiz to help you figure out your options .

What is a TV Converter Box?

A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box.

To help offset the cost of a converter, Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

How do I request a TV Converter Box Coupon?

Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of the following ways:

To protect yourself, your family, visitors, and your trash hauler, single-use sharps and syringes must be thrown away as safely and responsibly as possible.

 

Currently, the best system is to place used syringes or other sharps into a two-liter #1 (PETE) soda bottle. This type of container is the most puncture-resistant.

 

When the bottle is full, cap it and seal the cap with heavy duty tape.  To the bottle, apply a bright orange sticker that warns of the hazardous contents. 

 

The Solid Waste District will send you a sticker; just call 674-9235 and we will mail it to you.  The warning stickers will also be available at some doctors' offices and pharmacies.

 

Dispose of the full bottle in your household trash.  Let your garbage hauler know that sharps are present.

Do not recycle the bottle.