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Updated: 1:07 PM Jan 6, 2009
Feds start wait list for DTV converter box coupons
WASHINGTON - Consumers applying for federal coupons to pay for converter boxes ahead of next month's transition to digital television broadcasts are being placed on a waiting list. They may not get the vouchers before the switchover. Posted: 12:19 PM Jan 6, 2009 |
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumers applying for federal coupons to pay for converter boxes ahead of next month's transition to digital television broadcasts are being placed on a waiting list. They may not get the vouchers before the switchover.
The arm of the Commerce Department administering the coupon program created the waiting list on Sunday after hitting a $1.3 billion funding limit set by Congress.
The agency will send out coupons to those on the list only as unredeemed coupons currently in circulation expire, freeing up more money for the program. The waiting list already has requests for 103,000 coupons.
The head of the office is urging consumers now requesting coupons not to wait for them to arrive and to instead act quickly to ensure that they have at least one television set ready for Feb. 17 transition.
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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.
