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Why the digital transition should not be delayed.
Analog TV Will Disappear
On June 12, 2009, all analog broadcasts from full power broadcast stations came to an end, making TV shows, news, public access channels and every other broadcast completely digital.
While the digital transition didn't affect cable or satellite reception, it was helpful to those who owned an analog TV with an OTA antenna to know how to get digital TV for their analog device.
Converter Box Coupon Program
There was hope for the analog world regarding the digital transition. It lied 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 totaled $990 million with a continuation fund of $510 million (if necessary) for OTA users only. It was funded with additional funding in 2009. 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
The program now allows people with expired coupons to reapply until the program's deadline.
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.
