DTV: Waitlist for digital television converter coupons
I hope you've already applied for your digital television converter coupon, if you have an older television and rely on over-the-air broadcast signals to watch your favorite shows after Feb. 17.
The federal government has started a waitlist for digital television converter coupons because the program hitting a $1.34 billion funding limit set by Congress, according to the story.
Anyone who applies after Sunday (Jan. 4) won't get a $40 coupon of their own until some of the ones already issue expire without being redeemed, returning some of that cash into the system.
Already, there are about 103,000 requests are on the list, so officials with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the Commerce department, are telling people not to wait.
Here's a refresher on who needs a converter:
1. Do you have a television that was purchased after 2004? You probably don't need a converter, but read this post for more information about how to determine whether your television has a digital tuner.
2. Do you subscribe to cable or satellite television? You don't need a converter. Your cable service will continue to provide analog service. Sure, your cable provider may move some channels from analog cable to digital cable at any time, but a converter won't help you.
Find more answers to questions about the digital television transition at Consuming Interests.
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Digital television, Technology
Comments
The stores make money off the purchase of the converter boxes and TV's. Cable companies make money off the customers who subscribe. So much for free TV! Think about those people who lost their jobs that can no longer afford the cable or to buy a new TV. Perhaps it caused more people to apply for the rebates. They are the ones who will have to resort to radio to hear public service announcements or speeches. Back to the days before TV was invented for those people.
Posted by: TS1 | January 21, 2009 5:22 PM