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Digital TV (DTV) converter coupons now available
Washington, DC,
February 20, 2008
U. S. Representative Virginia Foxx today reminded constituents that in less than a year the nation will undergo a change in the way TV stations transmit over-the-air signals. On February 17, 2009 all television stations will stop broadcast
Contact: Aaron Groen Federal program offers $40 coupons starting this week U. S. Representative Virginia Foxx today reminded constituents that in less than a year the nation will undergo a change in the way TV stations transmit over-the-air signals. On February 17, 2009 all television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals and will only transmit digital signals. The federal government has established a converter box coupon program for households with analog TVs that will need a special converter box. All U.S. households may request up to two $40 coupons for the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a federal government agency, began to issue the $40 coupons this week. “Every constituent is eligible to request a coupon for the digital-to-analog converter box,” Rep. Foxx said. “Anyone who has an analog TV that receives signals by means of rabbit ears or any other over-the-air antenna can use the coupon for a converter box that will help keep that TV in service.” The DTV transition will provide television viewers with clearer pictures and additional program choices. It will also free up major portions of the nation’s airwaves for public safety communications for police, fire and rescue. Households with an analog TV set connected to cable or satellite service will continue to receive a viewable image after the transition and do not need to purchase a converter box. All digital TV sets are also ready for the DTV transition. The digital-to-analog converter boxes will be available soon at major retailers and online. They are expected to cost between $50 and $60 each. Households that request the $40 converter coupons from the NTIA will receive a list of local retailers that sell the converter boxes. The converter box coupons expire 90 days after they are issued. Converter box coupons can be requested online, by phone or by mail. The coupons can be requested at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). For more information about the DTV transition visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website at www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322. ### Click here to view a sample federal DTV converter coupon. Click here to view a brochure explaining the DTV transition. |
