Time to Act on Coupons for Digital TV Converter Boxes

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez wants to enlighten American television viewers about what they need to do to prevent their TV sets from going dark on Feb. 17, 2009, the day when most stations across the United States will begin broadcasting exclusively with digital signals.

“The biggest challenge is making people aware that we are going to have this change, and if they need to do something, they need to do it as quickly as possible,” Gutierrez says.

That “something” is determining what steps, if any, are needed in order to continue to watch TV once it goes digital. People whose television sets have built-in digital tuners—typically, those purchased during or after 2004—or whose sets are connected to cable or satellite services, no matter their age, don’t need to take any action for the digital TV conversion.

But an estimated 8 million Americans age 50 and older watch free over-the-air signals on analog TVs that receive signals through an outside antenna or on-the-set rabbit ears. And before Feb. 17, they need to take one of three actions:

• Purchase a new TV with a digital-ready tuner; many models now sell for under $200.

• Subscribe to cable or satellite television services and continue to use their current TVs.

• Purchase a converter box that will allow them to watch digital broadcasts on their current TVs, which is the least expensive option.

To defray the price of converters, which typically cost $50 to $70 each, Gutierrez’s agency is offering two coupons worth $40 each to every eligible household. Apply online or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) toll free. Those with hearing difficulties should call 1-877-530-2634 toll free from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. The last day to request coupons is March 31, 2009.

Customer service reps, speaking 150 languages, are available to answer questions about the coupon program, but they do not give technical advice about connecting the converter boxes.

Congress has funded 33.5 million coupons for issue, Gutierrez says. So far, 24 million coupon requests have been processed online; of those, 9 million have been redeemed.

The National Television and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the Commerce Department, has enlisted several organizations—including Meals on Wheels, the National Council on Aging and the National Association for Hispanic Elderly—to help people apply for the coupons, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The NTIA is rethinking regulations to allow individual residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other senior care facilities to be eligible for the coupons.

After applying—by checking a box that indicates you watch over-the-air TV—expect your coupon to arrive within 12 weeks, along with a list of certified retailers where the coupons can be redeemed. The coupons must be used within 90 days of the mailing date for the in-store discount or they become invalid.

A guide for installing the converter is available. For additional help in connecting and using VCRs and DVD players, “we have asked retailers to make sure their sales staffs are trained to help customers not comfortable with this technology,” Gutierrez says. You can also contact the converter box manufacturer.

Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life (AARP Books/Sterling).