Recently some TV stations have begun broadcasting full strength DTV signals hence leaving older televisions without built-in digital tuner with fewer stations. These stations have stopped broadcasting their digital signals all together. So even if you have cable you may need a DTV Cable Box for each Analog TV in your home becomes a question.

The FCC and the cable companies have left most of their publications open to interpretation by using word like "Should" & "Probably"

As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a digital tuner. In addition, effective May 25, 2007, the Commission required sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date. Retailers must inform consumers by prominently displaying the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner: "This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting".

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6 weeks after the original deadline for the DTV conversion the US Government will be sending out converter box coupons. The agency that is overseeing the coupon distribution received monies through the economic stimulus. Coupons should be mailed to more than 2.3 million households within two and a half weeks, or around March 20, 2009.

The DTV conversion has been delayed till June 10, 2009 due to the fact that so many people have been on a waiting list for the converter box coupons. Most Television broadcasters have the digital equipment in place and ready for use. Some stations have already turned on the digital signal and continue the analog signal too. Others have stopped their analog broadcast which has left some without TV. Under the extension the TV stations have the choice whether to change now or before June 10. The sooner consumers have the proper equipment in place the better.

The US Congress has passed the DTV extension for broadcasters and TV stations. The new deadline for DTV Change over is June 12, 2009. The extension is for broadcasters only and is not mandated. Meaning television stations only have the option to continue to broadcast the analog signal. Television stations can discontinue the analog signal when they chose.

If your local TV stations do not plan continuing a analog signal it will be up to viewers to have the right equipment in place to receive the Digital Television Signal. This would include even a digital ready television or a DTV converter box.