Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

Analog television owners don’t have very long until their TV reception goes bad. That is, if they use an antenna for their OTA (over-the-air) reception.

While February 17, 2009 can sound like a distant date from now, it is actually right around the corner. On that day, all analog broadcasts will come to an end, making your favorite TV shows, news, public access channels and every other broadcast 100 percent digital.

While the digital transition won't affect cable or satellite reception, it may be helpful to those who own an analog TV with an OTA antenna to know how to get digital TV for their analog device.

Converter Box Coupon Program

There is hope for the analog world regarding the digital transition. It lies in a digital-to-analog converter box, which receives digital signals and decodes them in an analog format. It is similar to a cable or satellite receiver.

In an effort to help curb the cost impact for analog TV owners, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce developed a converter box program, which allows analog TV owners to request coupons towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.

Coupon Program Basics

The coupon program totals $990 million with a continuation fund of $510 million (if necessary) for OTA users only. Here are the basics of the program:

• Coupons valued at $40 each
• Only two coupons can be requested per household
• Only one coupon can be used per converter box purchase
• Coupons are tracked electronically
• Coupons expire within 90 days

Basically, if you have two analog televisions in your home that you want to purchase a converter box for, both coupons can be useful; however they cannot be combined to receive an $80 discount on a single converter box.

When Does The Program Begin?

The coupons will be available from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. All households that own a TV using over-the-air analog reception are eligible.

Application Process

The NTIA described the application process as accessible through broad means such as online, phone, fax, or standard mail. An application must include:

• Your name
• Address
• Number of coupons
• Confirmation that you use an over-the-air analog signal
• Confirmation that no other household member is applying for the coupons

After you send the application the coupons will be mailed through the United States Postal Service. Todd Sedmak, Communications Director at the NTIA, said that the coupons would be redeemable through the consumer’s local electronic store, and that the coupon will look like a plastic gift card.

For more information, please visit the Federal Communication Commission’s digital TV Web site at www.dtv.gov.