Digital Television Converter Box Coupon Program

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a "Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program" to help consumers continue to receive free, over-the-air television without incurring exceptional costs when television stations stop broadcasting in analog technology and begin broadcasting in digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009.

Television viewers who currently use set-top (rabbit ears) or rooftop antennas to access “over-the-air” television broadcasts must make alterations to their present equipment in order to watch television after February 2009. They can do this by: 1) purchasing a new television with a built-in digital converter; 2) subscribing to a cable, satellite, or other pay television provider which will give them access to DTV through the provider’s converter boxes; or 3) purchasing a digital-to-analog converter box to plug into their existing analog television set. Pricing for digital-to-analog converter boxes currently ranges from approximately $40-$70.

Beginning January 2008, every U.S. household may request two $40 coupons to be used to purchase up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes. Congress has stipulated $990 million for the coupon program with an additional $510 million in funds available if the initial funds are completely used. Consumers may request coupons beginning January 2008 through March 31, 2009.

Coupons are available only to television viewers who access over-the-air television signals using an analog television set and a set-top or rooftop antenna. Because television viewers who subscribe to cable, satellite, or other pay television services will be able to access DTV through their provider’s converter boxes at no additional cost, they are not eligible for the converter box coupons.

Consumers may apply online for coupons or call the coupon program’s 24-hour phone hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

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