At least 45 percent of the American households are still at risk of losing some or all of their television service on Feb. 17, 2009, due to the government mandated switch to digital TV (DTV) have taken no action to prepare for the transition, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). A GAO survey found that while over half the U.S. population has heard of the government's DTV converter box subsidy program, only a third of those indicating plans to purchase converter boxes and utilize the coupons know how to obtain coupons.
Background: On Feb. 17, 2009, all analog TV sets -- generally, TVs without a digital tuner and not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service -- will stop receiving signals. At that time, all U.S. full-power TV stations are required by federal law to switch to 100 percent digital broadcasting. The government has estimated that up to 35 percent of all U.S. households have at least on TV set that will stop working after the conversion. To help with the conversion, the government is offering free coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of digital TV converter boxes. [Learn more...]
Also See: Digital Television Transition is Coming
Comments
It’s surprising to see the lack of awareness on how to obtain a box, as broadcasters in my area constantly run crawls at the bottom of the screen with this info.
Though I typically opt to use the internet for most transactions of this type, to obtain my coupons I called the toll-free number and it was really quite easy; you just listen to the options and follow the instructions. My coupons arrived after a few weeks, and I have one converter box installed and another waiting (have to decide which TV needs it most.)
Unfortunately, I only have one TV hooked up to cable – the rest are analog (five others) and I guess most will be put out to pasture once February 2009 rolls around, as I’m not buying three extra converter boxes.
The government needs to stop advertising these as “Coupons” when in fact they are more of a gift card.
If this were a coupon the consumer would only have to pay taxes on any monies due over the $40.
This is a gift card and comes as such.
The consumer is responsible for paying taxes on the entire amount. (Something the consumers are not told)
Another thing the consumer is not told is these cards have an expiration date. If you don’t use the cards before they expire you are just plain out of luck.
They will not be replaced if lost, stolen, expire or any other reason.
I purchased two converter boxes and several of the local channels no longer receive signal. I never had this problem with just an antenna.
I have gone through the channel set up several times.
Joy — How retailers treat the “coupons” in relationship to the collection of state and local sales taxes is something the federal government has no authority to control. You will not, however, have to claim the value of the coupons as income on your federal taxes. That, the feds can control.
And, the governmen’t coupon info Q&A states…
“Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it.”
Why they expire in 90 days, I don’t know.