It's time to say goodbye to rabbit ears on top of the TV or roof.
Because digital technology is so superior to analog, the U.S. Government has made a ruling that all TV broadcasts on and after February 17, 2009 (now extended to June 12) will be digital. Americans must update to keep getting free television and can order a free $40 coupon to help with the transition.
No More Rooftop or Rabbit-Ear Antennas?
It is hard to imagine that good old rabbit ears and painstakingly installed rooftop antennas will no longer work with TV sets anymore on and after this date.
In less than one year, more than 20 million homes using antennas for free plain old-fashioned analog television broadcasting may suddenly have televisions that stop working. What must Americans do to prepare?
Three Options are Available to Those With Analog Televisions and Without Pay Services
- They can buy new televisions with digital tuners.
- They can connect to a pay television service, such as cable or satellite.
- They can buy converter boxes for $50 to $70 that will make it possible for them to receive digital broadcasts on their older analog televisions (discount coupons available, see below).
Government Discount Coupons Available for Digital Converter Boxes
To prepare for the change, Congress has developed a $1.5 billion subsidy program to make sure people are helped with the conversion. Each U.S. household can apply for two $40 coupons to use to discount converter box purchases. The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is preparing to send out 33.5 million coupons, to those requesting them, which will begin mailing on from now until they run out.
Note: These coupons do expire early, depending on when they are ordered, so purchasers must be sure to be aware of the expiration date on the coupon card. Expired coupons will not be replaced.
Eight consumer electronics retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart, have been certified to participate in the "TV Converter Box Coupon Program," along with over 100 other retailers. This will add up to about 14,000 stores throughout the country.
Many People are Still Unaware of the Coming Change from Analog to Digital TV
The Association for Public Television Stations, found in a September 2008 study, that 51 percent of people surveyed had no idea that the transition was taking place next year. Another study, which focused on households that receive their television signals mainly over the air, found that 57 percent had still not heard about the transition.
It is important to get the news out. Public television is running informative spots to inform people and help them through this change. Each person in the U.S. can help by telling another person or two.
Where to Get Discount Coupons for TV Converters
- Click on the link for the NTIA page (below) and on that page, click on the link that says "Consumers (See Information Sheet)" to download the info.
- Among other information, this 2-page info sheet lists phone numbers, addresses, website links and information to help consumers understand the program and the change in U.S. television.
- An email address for coupon information is listed as couponinfo@ntia.doc.gov
- A government site for information is www.dtv.gov
Resources
Nat'l Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA)
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Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
