Antenna Users Information

Q1: Will I have to buy new TVs for my home? 

A1: You will not have to buy a new TV. Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting via an antenna on analog sets, will have three options for continuing their television service after February 17, 2009:

1.      Purchase a converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set;
2.      Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner; and/or
3.      Subscribe to MTC Technologies Cablevision. We have affordable solutions (service available in these areas).

 Q2: How do I know if I own a digital TV?

 A2: All TVs purchased after 5-25-07 are digital unless it is indicated differently on the back of the TV. If you are still not sure, refer to the owner’s manual which came with your TV. It should indicate whether the TV has a digital tuner.

 Further Information: As of March 1, 2007, all televisions shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a digital tuner. In addition, effective May 25, 2007, the FCC required sellers of the televisions that do not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner. Therefore, they will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television. The TV will have to meet Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standards.

Q3: What if I have a digital TV?

 A3: If you have a digital TV, you should not need a converter box.

 Q4: Do I need a converter box?

 A4: As stated above, if you have a digital TV, you should not need a converter box. If you have an analog TV, refer to your options outlined in A1.

 Q5: What is the benefit of the Broadcast Digital Transition to me?

 A5: You can expect to see improved picture and sound quality as well as the ability to receive more channels. Also the digital transmission of the broadcast signals allow for multiple channels of programming information to be sent, so in the future each station could provide additional programming sources in their digital transmission. Today a couple of the local broadcasters are using this capability to provide a local weather channel; these are already available to subscribers of MTC Digital Cable.

Q6: Will my current antenna still work?

 A6: With a good indoor or outdoor antenna, you will maximize your DTV reception. In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of antenna that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. An informational website with information about antenna requirements is www.antennaweb.org.

 Q7: How do I take advantage of the $40 government coupons?

 A7: The government is providing up to two coupons for each home to purchase two converter boxes for over-the-air reception to help off-set the cost of the boxes. The coupons are valued at $40 each. The converter boxes must be purchased within 90 days of the receipt of the coupons. Coupons will be available until March 2009, and are not transferable. The converter boxes are estimated to cost between $40 and $75. You may not combine the two coupons and buy one converter box.

 Over-the-air converter boxes purchased with the $40 coupon will NOT work with MTC Technologies’ cable system.

 You may request a coupon by the following methods:

 Online                                                              By Mail
www.dtv2009.gov                                            PO Box 2000
                                                                        Portland, OR 97208   

By Telephone
1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)                By Fax
TTY:    1-877-530-2634 (English)                   1-877-DTV-4ME2
            1-888-495-1161 (Spanish)                  (1-877-388-4632)