We all know that Hi-Def is the way to go and that Digital television will provide consumers with a clearer picture.
But did you know that more programming will be available and it will free up much needed spectrum for advanced wireless broadband services and inter operable communications among emergency first responders?
That being said, what about the folks that need a digital-to-analog converter?
Well check this out…. Starting Jan. 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes, Also that they are allocating $990 million for the program?
In fact, if the initial funds are used up, the Act permits funding to increase by $510 million,
If the additional funds are needed, eligibility for those coupons will be limited exclusively to over-the-air-only television households. Consumers requesting coupons from these contingent funds must self-certify to NTIA that they do not subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television services.
This program is structured to monitor demand to help ensure that over-the-air reliant households will not lose total access to television broadcasts after the Feb. 17, 2009, transition date.
“With the Coupon Program and a successful analog-to-digital transition involving the public, industry and government, the switch from analog to digital television will be completed as planned,” said Assistant Secretary for Communication and Information John Kneuer.
Households using analog televisions will not be able to receive digital broadcasts after February 17, 2009, unless the analog television is connected to a box that converts the digital signal to an analog format, or the analog television is connected to cable or satellite service.
While converters may be important to connect some TVs, other viewers may not need or want converters, such as those who have digital televisions or pay TV service. The final rule is based on the Act and public comments to establish the national coupon program for digital converter boxes. The final rule sets forth the framework for the coupon program and provides guidance for consumers, television converter box manufacturers, and retailers regarding eligibility, responsibilities, and certifications. Specific actions in the final rule include: Click here to see the coupon
- Eligible households will be able to request coupons from NTIA through a Web site, over the phone or by mail between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009.
- The coupons will be electronically trackable and uniquely numbered so that each transaction will be verified at the retailer’s point of sale terminal through NTIA’s coupon distribution database. Similar to gift cards, this type of coupon will be consumer-friendly and minimize the opportunity for waste, fraud, and abuse.
- If contingent funds are needed, consumers requesting coupons from these contingent funds must self-certify to NTIA that they do not subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television services.
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