There’s financial help for those who might be left with a dark screen when TV goes 100% digital in February 2009. Twenty-two million $40 coupons are now available to help antenna dependent television owners buy special converter boxes.
The Nielsen Co. estimates more than 14 million households depend on over-the-air television broadcasts for programming. Congress set aside $1.5 billion for the coupons.
Converter boxes will range between $50 and $70, and most major electronics stores will carry the product. Viewers who have satellite or cable service will not need a box.
To request a coupon, consumers can click www.dtv2009.gov.
The government also has set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
Filed under: News Headlines, Technology, Topical | Tagged: Analog, Convert, Digital, Television, TV
