Partnership Formed for Digital Television Transition

“This public-private partnership will help our residents who are at risk of losing reception take the proper steps to make the federally mandated switch to digital television broadcasting,” Lt. Governor Aiona said alongside representatives from KITV-4, KHON-TV 2, KHNL-TV 8, KGMB-TV 9, Oceanic Time Warner and the Hawai`i Association of Broadcasters.

Beginning February 18, 2009, anyone who receives television reception through an antenna or “rabbit ears” and does not own a digital television will no longer receive a broadcast signal.

The Lt. Governor encouraged viewers at risk of losing television broadcast reception to take one of three steps: upgrade to a digital television set, subscribe to a paid cable or satellite service, or obtain a digital converter box, which will convert the digital signal to analog without having to upgrade to a digital television or paid service.

Congress, in ordering the transition to digital broadcasting, set aside $1.5 billion for a coupon program to help cover the cost of purchasing a digital converter box. Hawai`i consumers can receive up to two $40 coupons per household from the federal government toward the purchase of a converter box.

To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov. The government also has set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

• Watch the news conference here.