To assist in this conversion, the U.S. Congress has approved a subsidy of $40, in the form of a coupon (see photo), to defray most of the cost for a converter box for every consumer that requests it. The coupon program starts on January 1, 2008 and was originally set to run through March 31, 2009, but will now be extended. The coupons are good for up to two converters per household - with each converter coupon worth $40. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), has been assigned to administer the DTV Transition Coupon program.
Recently, I had the opportunity to ask some questions regarding the implementation of the DTV Transition Coupon Program to Meredith A. Baker - Acting Administrator for the NTIA, and Todd Sedmak - Communications Director for the NTIA. The following is a summary of the answers to ten main questions that I asked.
1. How Many Converter Box Coupon Applications Have Been Submitted?
As of Feb. 4, 2008 there have been about 2.3 million applications to request more than 4.3 million converter box coupons.
2. How Many Converter Coupons Do You Expect To Send Out When All Is Done?
We have the capacity to give out up to 33 million, if needed.
3. How Long Will The Converter Box Coupon Applications Be Available?
The public may request converter box coupons until March 31, 2009 - about a month-and-a-half after the transition actually is scheduled to take place, as long as supply is available. The Coupons must be redeemed within 90 days they are sent to the applicant.
4. Is There a List Of Retailers That Qualify For The Converter Box Coupon Program?
When the public receives their coupons, it will contain a list of participating retailers, like Best Buy and Wal-Mart where coupons can be used to purchase a converter.
Robert Silva Note: A current list of retailers near you can be accessed at the TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website.
5. Is There A List Of Brands And Models Of Converter Boxes That Consumers Will Have Access To?
The list of brands and models will be at the TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website, on the Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes Page. The list will also be included with the coupon.
6. Do The Converter Boxes All Come With The Same Warranty?
That is up to the manufacturer. Check the manufacturer descriptions for details.
7. If A Converter Box Is Defective Can It Be Returned OR Exchanged Without Additional Cost?
There are no rules on this set by the NTIA. This is covered by individual retailer return policies and manufacturer warranty rules.
8. Do You See Any Problems With The Converter Box Coupon Program So Far?
We are off to a great start. To learn more about the program, go to the TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website.
9. Will There Be A Telephone Hotline Or Internet Forum To Address Any Additional Questions Or Problems That Consumers May Have With Their Converter Box?
The public will need to contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance.
10. Will Participating Retailers And Converter Box Makers Be Advertising On Both Television And Print Media - Is There A Promotion Program In Place?
The National Assoc of Broadcasters, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Consumer Electronics Association and others in the DTV coalition are in total spending about $1 billion on the consumer education campaign.
Additional Information and How To Get A Converter Box Coupon
The DTV transition only affects consumers that own analog-only televisions and receive their television programming over-the-air, via an antenna. Those that receive their programming for all of their TVs, VCRs, or DVD recorders in a household via cable or satellite, or own TVs and DVD recorders with digital ATSC tuners are unaffected for now, but should contact their cable or service provider for any changes that may require a new cable or satellite box in the near future. If you think you need one of the converter box coupons, you can submit an application online at the TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website.
Lastly, I would like to thank Meredith A. Baker and Todd Sedmak of the NTIA for their participation in this article.
