SAN ANTONIO –
Midnight, June 12 is the deadline for most analog TV broadcasts in the U.S. to cease. If you get your TV signal from cable or satellite, you are already set. But if you get your signal over-the-air from either by “rabbit ears” or another external antenna, you’ll need to do more.
If you don’t already have a digital-ready TV, you’ll need to get a DTV converter box. (
Click here for more information.)
Tero Technologies Inc. has been awarded a contract to supply free DTV-converter hook-up services. Simply call
877-360-9774 to set up an appointment. You’ll already need to have a DTV converter or you can purchase one through the contractor.
However, it might be cheaper to get a
FCC-supplied coupon (up to two per household) worth $40 and get it yourself. The contractor might not be able to accept the coupon, so go to any store where TVs are sold to purchase your converter(s). Also, H-E-B grocery stores have a supply of converters for sale at $40, essentially free with the coupon -- just pay the sales tax. (
Store locations here.)
Tero can then install up to two converters using your existing off-air antenna cable. If it is more extensive, there’ll be an additional charge.
Here’s what the contractor will do for you free of charge:
- Connect up to two of your converter boxes to two TVs and antennas in your home
- Perform a channel scan or rescan on your converter box in order to pick up the digital TV stations in your area
- Make minor adjustments to your antenna
- Show you how to operate your converter box and features such as closed captioning
The contractor provides these basic home installation services free of charge. These services are paid for by the FCC, and an FCC contractor will not request any payment from you for their services. Currently,
this service will only be available until June 30.If the installation is more extensive, click on and read the “FCC Expert Services DTV Contractors” document at the top of this story.
