We told you it would happen – and now it’s official. The government has formally announced that millions of $40 government coupons are available to help older television owners buy the converter box needed to upgrade a set so that it will work with digitial broadcasting come February 18, 2009. As readers know, as of that date, anyone who does not own a digital video display will be unable to see programming through over-the-air antennas. Homes using cable or satellite services won’t need a converter box.
As of Tuesday, January 1, two $40 coupons can be requested per household to help in the purchase of the needed converter box. The digital converter for older analog sets is estimated to cost between $50 and $70. The boxes will be available at most major electronics stores around the U.S.
To request a coupon, any consumer can apply online at http://www.dtv2009.gov or call the 24 hour line at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). There is a finite number of coupons available. Congress has set aside 22 million coupons that are available on a first come, first serve basis. Nielsen estimates that 13% of homes with televisions, do not subscribe to cable or satellite services. This demographic is who the coupons are being earmarked for.
For more information on the digital transition to take place in February 2009, read blog post “Helping Grandma Through the Analog to DTV Transition.”
