Terry Goddard Urges Families to Act Now to Prepare for Digital TV

(Phoenix, Ariz. - Dec. 31, 2008) Attorney General Terry Goddard is urging consumers who need to obtain converter boxes to act quickly to prepare for the digital television transition on February 17, 2009.

Demand for federal coupons offsetting the cost of digital converter boxes – devices that enable traditional analog television sets to receive the new digital signal – has increased sharply in recent weeks. Consumers who still need to order their coupons and purchase converter boxes should do so as soon as possible to avoid being inconvenienced by delays that may be caused by the growing demand.

“I do not anticipate that Arizona consumers will have trouble ordering their coupons or purchasing converter boxes, but they need to act now,” Goddard said. “The switch to digital TV is a significant change for our community. I want to make sure that households that need the new boxes don’t find themselves without television or the victim of a scam.”

In November, Goddard and Art Brooks, President of the Arizona Broadcasters Association, offered the following tips on preparing for the digital television transition:

Are you ready for DTV?

If you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service, you are already prepared for the digital transition. You do not need to take any additional steps to receive your television signal on February 17.

Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting signals through a set-top or roof-top antenna can still use an over-the-air antenna to receive their signal. If you recently purchased your television, check to see whether it is a “digital ready” television set. If so, then you, too, are prepared and do not need to take any additional steps.