Murphy Alerts Residents to How to Keep their TVs Tuned In

Press Release

Today, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) held a press conference in New Britain to inform Connecticut residents about what steps they can take to ensure uninterrupted television service when the nation discontinues analog television broadcasting next year. Currently TV stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital; but next year, more than 34 million households nationwide that use televisions with "rabbit ears" or rooftop antennas will be affected by this switch.

"There is no reason to panic, there is time left to make sure that your family's television will continue to work when this switchover is completed. If your television isn't digital, then there are steps you must take to make sure your TV works in 2009," said Murphy.

Broadcasters must shut off all analog broadcasting in February 17, 2009. The government has set this deadline so that it can free up spectrum space for public safety officials to build new interoperable networks and for wireless companies to provide new services. The spectrum space will be auctioned off by the federal government; the Congressional Budget Office estimates the auction could gross $20 billion to $30 billion.

Digital television will offer viewers higher quality picture, more channels, and other services. But this upgrade requires some consumers to act, and those that don't can lose access to television reception.

Consumers have three options to ensure continued service.

-Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

-Purchase a set-top converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing analog television set.

-Subscribe to cable, satellite, or a telephone company television service provider, like AT&T U-verse or Verizon FiOS in Connecticut.

Congress has set aside $1.5 billion for a coupon program for those who choose to buy a converter box. Households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each for a set-top converter box. The coupons are available at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.

If you choose to purchase a new television set, please consider recycling your old set - to learn more, go to http://www.mygreenelectronics.com/.

"As our society becomes more and more plugged in, we creating more e-waste. I encourage you to do your part to clean up our planet by recycling your old electronics," said Murphy.

Many Connecticut transfer stations recycle assorted electronics. Call your local transfer station for their policy.

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