Apply now for DTV converter box coupons

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

You now can apply for up to two $40 discount coupons to purchase two digital converter boxes. These boxes will allow people who receive over the air (antenna) reception on older, analog TVs, to watch TV after the nation converts to digital programming in February 2009. At that time, all analog TVs will go dark without a converter box.

The coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued to assure they don't go unused, so check your local stores to see if the boxes are available before applying. Eight of the largest consumer electronics retailers - Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart - are certified to participate in the TV Converter Box Coupon Program along with more than 100 other retailers, representing more than 14,000 stores nationwide. (To download a PDF with all retailers, click here.)

Cable and satellite TV customers will not be affected by the transition to digital broadcasts.

Households are eligible to receive two $40 coupons. Only one coupon can be applied to the purchase of one converter box. The boxes are expected to cost at least $70—so a coupon will save more than 50% of the usual cost. You can request coupons while supplies last in one of four ways:

• Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov.
• Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
• Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
• Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

The consumer contact center operates in six languages in addition to English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The contact center is accessible for hearing-impaired persons through a TTY number. The contact center and website will provide answers to questions about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues relating to DTV conversion.