Geek Squad Offers Free DTV Help

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Updated: 10:23 AM Jun 3, 2009 Geek Squad Offers Free DTV Help Lincoln Best Buy's Geek Squad is providing free DTV converter box installation to unconverted households. Posted: 9:43 AM Jun 3, 2009 Reporter: Erika Tallan Geek Squad Offers DTV Help

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The Federal Commiunications Commission has teamed up with Best Buy's Geek Squad to make sure civilians are fully prepared for the June 12th DTV switch.

Geek Squad Home Theatre Installers will connect up to two DTV converter boxes per household free of charge.

Representatives with Best Buy say Geek Squad Installers will also adjust existing antennas, scan and rescan converter boxes to locate the maximum digital broadcast channels available, integrate an existing VCR and provide guidance on the operation of the converter box.

According to Best Buy employee, Adam Rettig, the service is limited to citizens who live within a Best Buy service area.

Rettig also says the program is especially focused on reaching "at risk" households, which include low-income consumers, minority communities, non-English speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers living in rural areas or on tribal lands, and consumers with disabilities.

According to the FCC, nearly 3.3 million households are not prepared for the switch.

The FCC asks that you contact them before seeking help from the Geek Squad.

For more information visit www.dtv.gov
or call any one of these DTV Hotlines:
2-1-1
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)
1-800-475-1011

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On June 12th, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television in the United States will end as the nation completes its transition to an all-digital system.

While this change will mark the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it won’t signal the end of free broadcast television, and your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available.

Consumers who subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite aren’t likely to be affected by the switch, but if you currently receive analog television over the air or via an antenna, you’ll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations.

TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.

However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:

Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.

Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.

Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner. Any of these steps will ensure that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.