Get Your Digital Converter Coupon
January 6, 2008 – 6:00 am
Regardless of whether you understand the technology or the reason for the change, the way that television is delivered to your home is going to change. Don’t worry though – the government is here to help. In an effort to insure that you don’t miss even a single episode of South Park or General Hospital, they will make millions of $40 government coupons available to help low-tech television owners buy special converter boxes. The converter boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 and $70, will convert the new digital signal to analog so the older televisions can make sense of it.
If you haven’t bought a digital set or if you still get your television from an over-the-air antenna, you will be staring at a blank screen after February 18, 2009 since all television signals will be broadcast using a digital signal beginning then. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is providing up to two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the purchase of the boxes. Fortunately, if you use satellite or cable service, you don’t need to worry about the transition to digital.
If you want a coupon, you can apply online http://www.dtv2009.gov or just give them a call on the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).