Monday, March 30, 2009

DTV Update: Converter Box Coupon Status Last month I told you about how the President and Congress delayed the transition from analog to digital-only broadcast until June 12, 2009 in order to give stations and consumers more time to prepare. When the delay was announced, many people were on a waiting list for a digital television converter box coupon. The coupon allows people who have analog televisions the ability to buy a digital signal converter box at a reduced price. Fortunately everyone on the coupon waiting list has had their requests processed and they can go online and use their address or account number (given when they signed up for the program) to check their coupons' status. People can still apply for a converter box coupon, but they are being issued on a first come first serve basis. Once you buy your converter box, look at the resources for installation and fixing any reception problems. When the transition was delayed, the Federal Communications Commission allowed some stations to move to digital-only broadcast on the original deadline date of February 17. As a result, one third of all television stations in the US are digital-only broadcast. Two weeks ago the FCC released a list of 158 channels who meet the specific requirements set forth by the FCC which allow these stations to transition before the June 12 deadline. The remaining stations will transition on the June 12 deadline. Have you had any trouble getting a coupon? - Jake [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog] 10:58:56 AM

© Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 4/1/2009; 2:34:17 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien