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Updated: 9:38 AM Jan 1, 2008
Federal help for digital TV
Coupons to help buy digital converters WASHINGTON (AP) - If you're a low-tech TV owner who has a set of
rabbit ears on top of your set or an old-style antenna sitting on
your roof, listen up.
Posted: 7:45 AM Jan 1, 2008Reporter: AP wire reports |
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6 Comments 
WASHINGTON (AP) - If you're a low-tech TV owner who has a set of
rabbit ears on top of your set or an old-style antenna sitting on
your roof, listen up.
Starting with the New Year, you will be able to obtain $40
coupons from the government to help you make the transition into
digital broadcasting. The coupons will help pay for special converter boxes that will convert digital signals to old-style analog signals.
Beginning February 18th, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital
set and still gets their programming using over-the-air antennas
will no longer receive a picture. That's the day the television
industry completes its transition to digital broadcasting.
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70.
Viewers who have satellite or cable service won't need a box.
To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov starting Tuesday.
The government also has set up a
24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
Consumers that subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite have not been affected by the switch, but if you received analog television over the air or via an antenna, you’ll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations, if you have yet to do so already.
However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:
- Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.
- Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
- Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.
