Digital TV Converter Box Coupons

[sdelmonte]

As some of you no doubt now, on February 17, 2009, the current analog TV signals that have been in use since TV was invented will be shut off, and everyone will be going to digital TV. If you have an HDTV, or cable or satellite, you needn't be worried about your ability to watch. But if are like me and have a TV that predates the digital age and don't have anything but an antenna, you will either need to buy a news set or get a special digital converter box.

The Department of Commerce is offering consumers who need to buy such a box - expected to retail for between $50 and $70 - the chance to get two $40 coupons to cover the cost. The special website to apply for the coupon went live today. If you need a coupon, go here and apply. It will take a while for the coupons to arrive, but then no retailer will have the boxes till next month at the earliest.

Comments

[osewalrus.livejournal.com]

on February 17, 2009, the current analog TV signals that have been in use since TV was invented will be shut off, and everyone will be going to digital TV.

Technically, we are only shutting off channels 52-68, which we are auctioning at the end of the month.

The broadcasters are keeping the same spots on the spectrum allocation chart, but we are radically altering the nature of the signal, so that your analog tuner cannot interpret the incoming signal without a digital-to-analog converter. Which you can buy with this nifty government coupon.

Which is not really that different from what you said. But after approximately 9 years of dealing with the digital transition, I can't help but be a shade pedantic.

More seriously, you will not need the box if you receive your TV via cable or satellite. It is only for reception of free over the air transmission. If you subscribe to cable, FIOS, DIRECTV, or DISH you should contact your subscription video provider to find out what, if anything, you need to do to receive signal after the conversion.