DTV: free in-home digital converter installation is available
Need help installing a digital converter box? The Federal Communications Commission is offering FREE, IN-HOME digital converter installation in Maryland through contractors.
These installers are not allowed to charge consumers for labor but may have to sell consumers cables, antennas or other items if necessary. Folks should get their converter boxes ahead of time. And according to the FCC, you can still get a digital converter box coupon by June 12 if you apply by June 1. However, coupons will be available through June 30.
Here's the list of FCC installation vendors for Baltimore and the surrounding area:
AmeriCorps will be providing assistance in Baltimore through June 27. Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (or 1-888-225-5322) to schedule an appointment.
Apollo Industries is also helping in Maryland. Call them at 800-504-5677.
The Idea Guy, LLC is providing assistance in some parts of Maryland. Visit www.freedtvhookup.com for a list of zip codes where the service is available, or contact them directly at 888-898-8729 to schedule an appointment.
Deployment Essentials LLC is providing assistance within 75 miles of the Baltimore area. Contact them at 443-393-2149 or 202-438-0500.
Not in Baltimore? Check the FCC list of digital conversion assistance and information centers, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (that's (or 1-888-225-5322).
Remember, you only need a digital converter box if you rely on over-the-air broadcast television signals --- cable or satellite television subscribers can ignore these messages. According to Nielsen estimates, about 11.5 percent of the market (nearly 127,000 households) relies on broadcast signals, but only 0.72 percent of Baltimore households were unprepared for this transition.
Still, those people will be disappointed when their sets go black on June 12! Tell anyone who might need to know.
(photo: Associated Press)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Digital television
Comments
Do you have to be dirt poor to getg this free installation help or what?
Thorvald, I haven't heard anything about income restrictions for this help. The coupons weren't reserved for low-income folks either. --- lfk.
Posted by: Thorvald | May 27, 2009 9:33 PM
What happens if your coupon has expired, like I think mine has? LOL.
Danielle, no worries --- you can reapply now if your coupon has expired, according to the digital television converter coupon program Web site. --- lfk.
Posted by: Danielle | June 2, 2009 9:27 AM