The Minnesota Senior Federation is working with a number of organizations to get the word out to seniors about the digital TV transition and what they can do so that their TV doesn’t go blank when the conversion takes place. 

On June 12, 2009, all television stations will go from analog to digital TV. A few television stations are going to digital TV earlier. Fox KFTC in Bemidji converted to digital Feb. 3. WUCW in Minneapolis, and PBS stations KAWB in Brainerd, KAWE in Bemidji and KWCM in Appleton, Wisconsin converted Feb. 17. 

If you currently use rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna for reception, and are not going to be converting to cable, satellite or a digital television (flat screen TV) you need to take action to maintain access to free over-the-air television. An estimated 21 million American households may see their televisions go black on transition day.

Act now! You don’t have to wait for the transition date to get prepared. Luckily, you don’t need to go out and buy a new television set to be ready for this change either. Congress has created a coupon program to help folks buy a converter box that will allow them to get the new digital TV signals on their analog TV set.

Spread the word, and request your converter box coupons now by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888/388-2009), 1-877/530-2634 (TTY) or visiting www.DTV2009.gov. You may also mail your coupon request form to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208, or fax it to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877/388-4632). If you or someone you know would like us to mail you an application for a coupon (worth $40) or need more information, call the Minnesota Senior Federation at 651/645-0261 or toll free 1-877/645-0261.