DTV Receiver Coupon Program

Ok, let's cut through the clutter. Congress basically told broadcasters they had to transition to Digital Television or surrender their license. In a lot of cases some stations are going dark or being purchased by other companies. Why?  The cost for transitioning is in the millions for broadcasters and some companies just can't afford to do it. They are asking the same of consumers, granted it's not in the millions but for some people it is a lot of money to buy a new TV. That's why the coupon program was developed. Don't get me wrong, we are embracing this technology. The ability to deliver more content at better than DVD quality is a real plus for us. Frankly I can't wait until we shut down our analog transmitter. It's old and if you look at it wrong, well need I say more.

A light bulb went on in congress and someone had the idea of creating another government program to help consumers. The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. Translation: This is a billion-dollar plus program to help consumers purchase a digital TV receiver box so they can receive over-the-air broadcast signals on their analog TV.

The tuners on analog sets won't receive broadcast signals after February 17th of 2009. So you hook one of these boxes up to an antenna, run the output of the box to your analog set and you can watch the digital TV channels. This applies to broadcast TV only, not cable or satellite.

Although I feel this program is about a year behind schedule from where it should be the details are now in place. The basic details are as follows:

1. Each household will be eligible for two $40.00 coupons which can be applied to the purchase of up to two digital receiver boxes. We hear the price will range from $50 to $100.
2. The program starts 1-1-08. At that time any household can apply. It is not based on income or how you receiver your TV signals.
3. Once the money runs out phase 2 will begin. At that time we are told only households who receive their TV signal over-the-air, will be eligible.
For more information go to this site. Every question you have will be answered here.

Just a few of my thoughts on this program:

*If you are interested in the program you should apply shortly after the first of the year. I think the money will run out quick.
*You won't find many of these converter boxes in the stores right now because retailers are waiting for the "government approved" version. Ask the person at your retail outlet about the converter box program and I bet bet you'll receive a blank stare. You can purchase these in some stores but they are hard to find. Here's one from our friends at Winegard.

Jim Lawrence
QNI