Thursday, February 5, 2009

NewsFlash - Transition to Digital TV Delayed

The long wait to switch to digital TV broadcasts will now be a bit longer after the U.S. House of Representatives voted today to postpone the switch to June 12, according to an Associated Press report.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate last week, needs only President Barack Obama’s signature to become a law. Obama has said he will sign it.

For the majority of the nation already ready for digital TV broadcasts, the delay still impacts us all. The pending law will tap into government funds to provide more discounts on digital converter boxes for analog TV viewers. Also, this means four more months of commercials, stories and coverage of the digital TV transition.

According to AP, the House voted 264-158 to delay. Last week, the House rejected a similar bill because it failed to get a two-thirds majority as a special fast-track vote. However, today’s action required a simple majority. The Senate approved the delay early last week. - (from the Orange County Register)


Coupon Program - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TV converter box coupon program?

Congress created a TV converter box coupon program for households that want to continue using their analog TV sets after June 12, 2009. The program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, which can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

How do I get my coupons?

Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up to two $40 coupons per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), by applying online at www.DTV2009.gov or by mailing an application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Applicants will receive their coupons in the mail.

Where can I use my coupons?

When your coupon comes in the mail, it will include an insert that lists nearby participating retailers. These retailers are likely to be stores where you commonly go to buy electronics products. You can also order TV converter boxes online and by telephone. Click here for a list of participating retailers and to locate them on a map using your zip code.

When can I apply for my coupons?

You may apply for coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, while supplies last.

Are coupon applications available in other places, such as my local library or grocery store?

The government is working with its partners to make applications available in places that make the most sense for communities. The easiest way to apply is to call the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 or online at www.DTV2009.gov. If you don't have a computer, try one of the public computer terminals at your local library.

Are coupon applications available in retail stores?

Some retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores. However, retailers cannot issue coupons. Consumers must request them directly from the federal government. Each retailer will decide whether it wants to provide applications. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-DTV-2009 or go online at www.DTV2009.gov.

What does the TV converter box coupon look like?

Coupons look like plastic credit cards or gift cards that are widely used by the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons do not carry a stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.

Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?

Yes, every U.S. household is eligible, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, an additional 11.25 million coupons will only be available to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TV sets connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service are not eligible for the second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.

How many coupons can I request?

Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.

What information do I need to provide the government to request my coupons?

The TV converter box coupon application requires you to provide your name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two) and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service.

Will the government use my name and address for any other purpose?

No. Your personal information is protected under privacy laws and will not be sold or used for purposes other than administering the NTIA coupon program.

Are nursing homes, group homes and other institutions eligible for coupons?


Under the coupon program's current rules, these viewers are excluded from applying, but that may change soon. The program requires that applicants must meet the U.S. Census Bureau definition of a household. However, in April, the NTIA filed a proposed rulemaking that would allow people living in nursing homes and other group institutions to qualify for converter box coupons.

Can I apply for people who are unable to apply for themselves, such as an elderly parent?

Yes, but you will need to use that person's home address, which will be validated for eligibility. Only two coupons will be issued per U.S. household address, and the coupons are intended for the resident of that household.

What if I have my mail sent to a post office box?

Under the coupon program's current rules, the government will only mail coupons to post office boxes in areas without home mail delivery or for households on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native villages and other rural areas, but that may change soon. In April, the NTIA filed a proposed rulemaking that would allow people who use post office boxes to qualify for converter box coupons.

Can I use my coupons to purchase any TV converter box on the market?

No, your coupons can only be used toward the purchase of converter boxes deemed coupon-eligible by the federal government. Click here for a list of eligible converter boxes. You may also ask participating retailers whether the TV converter boxes sold in their stores can be purchased with the $40 government coupon.

Can I use my coupon to purchase other consumer electronics products, such as DVD recorders or televisions?

No, coupons are electronically coded so they may be used only for buying coupon-eligible converter boxes.

Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a TV converter box I've already purchased?

No, coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.

What happens to my coupon after I use it?

It is instantly deactivated and cannot be used again. Stores may keep them, or you can throw them away. Keep your receipt and a record of your coupon number in case you decide to exchange or return the converter box.

Can I replace a lost or stolen coupon?

No, coupons cannot be reissued. If you have requested one coupon, you may be eligible to receive another. However, if both coupons were lost or stolen, or you requested both coupons, used one, and the other coupon is lost or stolen, by law the government is unable to issue coupon replacements.

Can I use both coupons toward the purchase of one converter box?

No, only one coupon can be used per coupon-eligible converter box.

Can coupons be used by other members of a household?

Yes. Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However, only two coupons will be issued per household regardless of the number of occupants or families.

How long are coupons active?

Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. An expiration date is printed on each coupon.

If I bought a TV converter box with the coupon, but then returned it for credit with the retailer, can I use that credit for any other purchase at the retailer?

You will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount, but you can receive cash or credit for any additional amount you paid out of pocket, if the store policy permits returns or exchanges.

Can I exchange my TV converter box for another one?

If the retail store permits exchanges, you can exchange the converter box you purchased for another coupon-eligible one.

If my coupon expires before I use it, can I apply for another one?

If you applied for just one coupon and it expires before you use it, then you may apply for a second coupon. However, once two coupons have been issued to your household, you are no longer eligible to request any more coupons. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.

Can a coupon be used to pay for sales tax?

No, the $40 coupon can only be used towards the price of an eligible TV converter box, excluding any sales tax.


Editor's Note: TSH reported on the switch to DTV in a previous blog and cautioned the owners and operators of senior housing facilities to take note of the change and make sure that they request converter box coupons for their residents, and also make provisions for a staff member to hook up the new converter boxes. Hopefully, everyone is prepared for the upcoming cha
nge. BBrunk