City urges viewers to gear up for the conversion to all-digital broadcast television

Local television broadcasters to sponsor "DTV Answers Day" on January 6, 2009

For immediate release
January 5, 2009

February 17, 2009 has been set as the deadline for the digital transition by the U.S. Congress. After that date, most TV broadcasting will be digital. To help answer the many questions the transition to digital television (DTV) raises, Austin TV stations are sponsoring "DTV Answers Day" on Tuesday, January 6, 2009. It will be held at six different locations throughout the Central Texas TV market from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. It will include local news anchors and station personnel answering your questions, help with obtaining digital converter box coupons, set up demonstrations, and more. Come visit one of the following locations on Tuesday:

"Because February 2009 will be here sooner than we think, Austin broadcasters are happy to sponsor DTV Answers Day," said Rondella Hawkins, Manager of the City’s Office of Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs. "This event will help everyone understand the DTV transition - what it is and what it means to them. Please join us on January 6."

Austin is one of the participating municipalities nationwide that is assisting the federal government to educate our citizens about the steps they need to take in order to prepare for the DTV transition.

This transition affects viewers with televisions that receive free over-the-air programming (with a roof-top antenna or "rabbit ears" on the TV). The type of TV you own is very important. A digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog television, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. This converter box will also enable you to see any additional multicast programming that your local stations are offering.

If you are a cable tv or satellite customer, you need to check with your service provider to be assured of a smooth transition after February 17, 2009.

There are many sources of information about the digital transition but one of the best is www.dtv.gov , or calling 1-888-CALL-FCC. You can get information on what DTV is, questions consumers should ask when purchasing new television sets, what programs are available in DTV, and much more.

So, come and learn about the digital transition. Don't let your television go dark after February 17, 2009.

Contact: Rondella Hawkins, (512) 974-2999