Digital Converter Coupon Program Begins

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

February 17, 2009, is the last day that broadcasters will transmit analog signals. For many of us, this will mean nothing, as those with cable or satellite TV won’t need to worry about this … only those receiving signals over-the-air (OTA) whose TVs don’t already have a digital tuner.

Those TVs will need converter boxes. Boxes will be available starting in February at more than 14,000 government-certified retail outlets. You’ll see your normal big names here, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart as well as others. The boxes will range from $59.95 to $69.95.

At the same time, the government is running a coupon program to defray most of the cost of these boxes. Each household is entitled to two coupons, each of which is worth $40. These can be ordered at the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) site or by phone at (888) DTV-2009.

It should be noted that the coupons expire after 90 days, and although the government says it will not mail the coupons out until the converter boxes are available in stores, it might be better to wait until you check yourself before applying for coupons.

BTW, in case you’re wondering why the move to digital signals is taking place, according to the DTV.gov informational site,

An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads). Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband).

We Say: Cynic that I am, I’ll say that you can bet the $$$ from the auction played no small part in this.