Digital TV converter coupons are running out

According to a DTV transition regulator, the government coupons that help subsidize the price of DTV converter boxes are going to be hard to come by soon, and he recommends ordering one now.

Rep. Ed Markey, the Department of Commerce official who oversees the subsidy program, added that he expects demand to exceed supply in the next month before the government mandated transition in February.

Congress may also need to "pass additional funds" for extra coupons.

The mandatory switch to digital signals goes into effect February 17th, 2009.

To learn more about the transition and what you will need if you are still unsure, please read this very helpful guide here at AfterDawn: Preparing for the US DTV Transition

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 28 Dec 2008 0:45

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11 comments

Leningrad

i know this is out of topic, but i gotta complain, why is congress wastings its time on such time wasters like "digital transitions" but no concentrating of important stuff like global warming?? Well its america, that explains alot.

28.12.2008 09:35 #1

cyprusrom

Global warming? I'm not sure about that, it feels more like bloody global cooling to me...
Global warming? How about overpopulation? Pffsss...what else is on the list? Cure cancer by next week? Vanish hunger? How about focusing on reality rather than outopia...

Why is the digital converter issue so important? Because it is...Especially during the economical recession.

For the past few weeks I have been helping a buddy of mine install DirecTV service. Many times, after walking in certain homes,I though "is satellite TV really their main concern"?
I guess it is recession,and people are not willing to spend as much on frivolous stuff,or even stuff that others might consider being a priority, but their television is one of the last things they are willing to give up.One of the cheapest forms of entertainment.
It is bad enough as it is, you put them in the dark by shutting their TV off, and you're gonna have some really disappointed people.

28.12.2008 11:23 #2

mike.m

I live in Canada, so do I need to worry about this, or is it US only?

28.12.2008 16:30 #3

Leningrad

Originally posted by mike.m: I live in Canada, so do I need to worry about this, or is it US only?i think its only in the states.

28.12.2008 16:54 #4

snowlock

Originally posted by mike.m: I live in Canada, so do I need to worry about this, or is it US only?as far as i know it's only in the US, and only for over-the-air broadcasts.

the thing is, i've never seen any benefit whatsoever from the transition.
the average consumer gets absolutely nothing from the switch,
and the only thing an antenna user gets is a headache.

the only ones that benefit are companies like cable and satellite providers.
broadcasters save money and tv manufacturers probably profit as well.
broadcast networks have had digital signals already for quite some time,
so it's not like there's going to be some huge change in availability.
at least not a positive one; what happens to those who miss out on coupons?
they'll pay anywhere from $50-$70 for a box they shouldn't have to have.

sorry if i seem off on a rant, but this transition throws me into a rage.
reading this site, we already knew the funds for the coupons would run out.
plus i'd be willing to bet the biggest rush for the coupons has yet to begin.

28.12.2008 19:45 #5

bryston

Glad I received and redeemed my coupons earlier this year !

Jo

Life is Grand !

28.12.2008 19:52 #6

cart0181

Originally posted by cyprusrom: Global warming? I'm not sure about that, it feels more like bloody global cooling to me...
Global warming? How about overpopulation? Pffsss...what else is on the list? Cure cancer by next week? Vanish hunger? How about focusing on reality rather than outopia...

Why is the digital converter issue so important? Because it is...Especially during the economical recession.

For the past few weeks I have been helping a buddy of mine install DirecTV service. Many times, after walking in certain homes,I though "is satellite TV really their main concern"?
I guess it is recession,and people are not willing to spend as much on frivolous stuff,or even stuff that others might consider being a priority, but their television is one of the last things they are willing to give up.One of the cheapest forms of entertainment.
It is bad enough as it is, you put them in the dark by shutting their TV off, and you're gonna have some really disappointed people.Amen. And a very astute observation about the connection between recession and television use/priority. Whenever I pass through poor neighborhoods I wonder why I see so many satellite dishes on the roofs. You're right, it's the last thing many folks are willing to give up. It's sad really, because it's their source for the media to feed them their poverty mentality which got them there in the first place.

30.12.2008 03:56 #7

Newbious

The majority of the coupons have expired unused.
They expire 90 days after they are mailed out.
They're good for about 80 days or less after they're received.
That means the majority of the funds alocated isn't going to be used.
Where is the unused funds going to go?

I received two coupons before being hospitalized.
By the time I was able to purchase the boxes the coupons had expired.
I went online to get more but my address had already been used so they wouldn't send any more.

Who's idea was it that the coupons expire so soon? Why not good for at least a year?

5.1.2009 21:50 #8

dorkydork

Quote:The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list.

If you choose to apply for your coupons today and are eligible, you will receive a reference number. You can use this reference number to return to this website periodically and check the status of your request. The website will be updated if funding becomes available, and the mailing date for your coupons will be updated at that time.

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital television transition. You may:

* Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon;
* Buy a TV with a digital tuner, or;
* Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service.

6.1.2009 01:13 #9

IguanaC64

Glad I got my gubmint coupons and purchased my two converter boxes @ roughly $20/ea+the tax on the full amount. After test driving them it's obvious I now have to buy a huge antenna for my house as well since mostly I just blue blank screens and digital artifacting that makes it impossible to watch (which was ok using regular analog tuners). I think the politicians behind this were paid off by cable and satellite providers.

FWIW...I live about 30 miles outside a major metropolitan area...your mileage may vary.

6.1.2009 15:46 #10

zorb43

Originally posted by IguanaC64: Glad I got my gubmint coupons and purchased my two converter boxes @ roughly $20/ea+the tax on the full amount. After test driving them it's obvious I now have to buy a huge antenna for my house as well since mostly I just blue blank screens and digital artifacting that makes it impossible to watch (which was ok using regular analog tuners). I think the politicians behind this were paid off by cable and satellite providers.

FWIW...I live about 30 miles outside a major metropolitan area...your mileage may vary. I live about 20 miles out and I can only get one channel with the rabbit ears ... So I would also have to get a big outdoor antenna or keep my satellite or cable.

8.1.2009 05:01 #11

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