From the Dept.of Levaquin interactions: commerce:

Governor Ted Strickland and Director of Commerce Kimberly Zurz are encouraging Ohioans to check their television sets tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.  At that time, stations across the state will inform them if their TV’s are not prepared for the digital television conversion. 

Instead of regular programming, viewers whose televisions are not digital ready will see a graphic informing them that they need to take action to prepare for the digital conversion.  It is important for Ohioans to take action before the conversion date so they have uninterrupted viewing.  “I encourage everyone to talk to their neighbors and those in need of assistance to ensure that they will have access to television service, which is a vital source of local information, weather updates, and emergency bulletins,” Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said.

Forty Ohio television stations in eight media markets will participate in the five-minute test.  The test will air on the stations’ analog signals only and will alert viewers if their television sets are not ready for the digital television transition on February 17, 2009.

The federal government will require all full-power television stations to turn off their over-the-air analog signals on February 17, 2009 and begin broadcasting only in digital.  The digital transition will provide a clearer picture for consumers. 

“There is still time for Ohioans to take action to continue receiving their regular television programming before the digital television transition on February 17, 2009,” said Ohio Department of Commerce Director Kim Zurz.

As part of the five-minute test, broadcasters will be operating telephone call centers in each market to provide assistance and answer any viewer questions.

Ohioans who subscribe to cable, satellite or another subscription service should alert their provider if they see a message during this test.  Ohioans who rely on “rabbit ears” or other types of antennas to receive analog television programming have three options:  purchase a TV with a digital tuner, purchase a converter box to plug into their current TV, or subscribe to cable, satellite or other subscription services.

The federal government is offering two $40 coupons to every American household to cover most of the cost of purchasing a converter box.  The coupons are available at www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).  Deaf or hard of hearing callers can call 1-877-530-2634 TTY in English and 1-866-495-1161 TTY in Spanish. 

Consumers are encouraged to apply for the coupons by December 31, 2008 in order to give enough time to receive the coupon and purchase the converter box before February 17, 2009.

The converter box is available at most retail stores that sell consumer electronics.