Questions, answers on DTV switch

If you aren't sure whether you're ready for the DTV switch, here are some questions and answers that could help. You can also go to dtv.govon the Internet.

Q: Why do I have to switch?

A: On Friday all television stations will complete the transition to broadcasting digital, over-the-air signals. That means televisions receiving only analog signals — generally those older than two years and not using cable or satellite service — won't work as usual anymore.

Q: Am I ready for the transition?

A: If you receive free, analog TV broadcasts with a rooftop antenna (or "rabbit ears"), your TV will stop receiving those signals. In order to receive digital signals instead, you will need to get a converter box. If you subscribe to a paid cable or satellite service or you have a digital TV, you should be ready for the switch.

Q: What if I'm a Comcast cable customer?

A: You should be OK. But Comcast is in the middle of switching its own system to digital, an upgrade that affects "expanded basic" customers who don't have cable set-top boxes. Those customers will need a set-top box or digital adapter that Comcast will provide.

Q: What kind of antenna reception will I get after I convert?

A: According to the feds' DTV reception map, Seattle receives a strong signal for every channel except KBTC-PBS, which has a moderate signal. That means most TV users should have no problem getting reception.

However, indoor reception can be affected by hills, trees, nearby buildings, home construction and other factors. Outdoor antennas or rabbit ears will help in those cases. To get a reception map for your area, go to www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps.

Q: Can I just ignore all of this?

A: You can, but if you aren't receiving digital signals by Friday, all that will show up on your TV is a blue screen.

Q: How do I get a converter box?

A: Boxes are available at several retailers in the area, such as Target and Best Buy. Boxes are $40 or more, and you can use government-issued coupons to pay for them.

Boxes and coupon applications also will be available at local drop-in centers, which are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rainier Community Center, Garfield Community Center, Yesler Community Center and Van Asselt Community Center. You can also swing by Youngstown Cultural Arts Center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Q: What are these coupons about?

A: The government will issue two $40 coupons per household to go toward new converter boxes. You'll need one box for each TV set. The coupons take about nine days to arrive, so ordering a coupon today means it will arrive next week.

Coupons expire after 90 days, but you can apply for more if yours expire, are stolen or get lost. To register for a coupon, go to www.dtv.gov/getcoupon.html.

Q: Where else can I find more information?

A: Seattle DTV Assistance Centers will remain open past the Friday transition date. For local telephone assistance, call 206-508-1277 for English, 206-988-3760 for Spanish, 800-582-4259 for Korean, 800-582-4218 for Chinese and 800-582-4336 for Vietnamese. You can also check out dtv.gov for more.

— Lindsay Toler

The information in this article, originally published June 10, 2009, was corrected July 15, 2009. Coupon applications for digital television converter boxes are available at local drop-in centers. A story on page A9 Wednesday incorrectly said coupons are available there.