Digital Boxes government assistence in purchasing
By Modestah
@Modestah (11177)
United States
January 9, 2008 5:02pm CST
As we likely all know soon our televisions will not receive pictures on radio waves, all such broadcasting will convert to digital by february of 09. If you have a television which is not made to accept the digital signal and you do not have a paid service such as cable or satellite tv - you will need to buy a converter box in order to receive your television signal via antenna still.
The government has determined itself to assist families in purchasing these boxes with millions of $40 coupons to be distributed.
Each family can request up to 2 coupons for their household... this request can be made online at www.dtv.gov or by phone at 18883882009
1 person likes this
4 responses
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
9 Jan 08
How many people are still getting their TV through the air? In our area you can't even get a good signal with the bunny ears. Just about everyone has basic cable which saves you from buying a converter box.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
9 Jan 08
Personally, I can't imagine having to live through the old air TV channels again. Living in an apartment there is zero chance of getting any signal. When our cable goes out there are no channels we can eve get just audio on. It is worth the $5 a month for basic cable.
@Modestah (11177)
• United States
9 Jan 08
sedel,
according to the Associated Press, the Nielsen Co. estimates that 14.3 million households or about 13 % of the 112.8 million total television households in the nation rely on over the air television broadcasts.
like you I live in an area that air way reception is not good - most people have large antennas on their roof or grounds connected to their tv's and do not rely on rabbit ears anymore.
you figure most of those 14.3 million households will have more than one television.
@dreamy1 (3811)
• United States
9 Jan 08
My mother canceled dish service a while ago right now we can only get 4 clear channels. I know lot of people who are cutting out their cable and satellite dishes and just going back to basic TV because it's getting expensive. They either rent cheaper movies from the library or just watch network TV.
@Modestah (11177)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Hi Dreamy1
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 and be available at most major electronics retail stores. (we have none in our area, lol)
the coupons are said to be good for 90 days after being mailed - however, the boxes are not yet available in the stores. I wonder if we got our coupons too early in fear they would run out.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
11 Jan 08
I think it's funny that the government is offering money to help people who can't afford it get TV, rather then making sure everyone has healthcare. Which is more important?
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
10 Jan 08
From what I understand, the $40. will not even make a dent in the cost of the box. I dont know this for sure, it is just the information going around online. I am concerned. It seems they are taking away more of our personal freedom. I have already applied for my two $40. certificates
