Consumers Can Apply for Coupon to Offset Cost of Buying Digital TV Converter

Beginning January 1, 2008, consumers can apply for a coupon to help offset the cost of buying a converter box for their analog TV. Beginning February 17, 2009, analog TVs will not work unless a consumer has purchased and installed one of these converter boxes. Only digital TVs will work without the converter.

In a recent press release, the U.S. government announced that they are making these coupons available to all households in America, regardless of income level. Each household is limited to two coupons that are worth $40, each. These coupons are only good for 90 days from the date they have been issued.

Most of the analog-to-digital converter boxes will be sold for between $49 to $69.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that over 100 different retailers will be participating in this coupon offer, including some of the countries largest retail chains.

While every household can apply for up to two coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, these coupons will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. These coupons expire 90 days after they have been issued and each household in America is limited to two coupons.

Here are the four different ways you can get a coupon, beginning January 1, 2008:
-Apply online. The U.S. government has developed a website for your convenience, but it won't be working until January 1st

-Call a 24-hour, toll-free hotline to request a coupon at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), again this number won't be working until January 1st

-Fax an application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

-Mail an application to PO Box 2000, Portland, Oregon 97208-2000

According to the government, digital television will provide better pictures and the ability for consumers to receive more programs. One of the biggest benefits of having digital TV will be the fact that wireless services will be able to use the airwaves that TV stations used to use to improve emergency communications and provide other wireless services.

Consumers do not need to buy an analog converter for their TV if:

-They purchase a digital TV

-They subscribe to cable TV, satellite TV, or another type of pay-for-TV service

Unless a consumer exercises one of these two options, effective February 17, 2009, they must have purchased an analog converter to continue watching their analog television.

At the present time, only the government has certified a few converter boxes, but more are expected to be added as this program begins.

Retailers selling the converter boxes include Best Buy, Sears, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Circuit City, and RadioShack.

Source:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/DTVretailers_121107.html