[OH-KY-IN] Fw: [mvarbb] FW: Digital converter settop box

[Bruce Vanselow N8BV]

--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Fred Stone" <fstone at thinktv.org>
To: <mvarbb at febo.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:15:23 -0500
Subject: [mvarbb] FW: Digital converter settop box
 
Coupons to be issued for digital converters
 
 
A federal program will take requests starting Jan. 1 from owners of
analog TV sets.
 
>From the Associated Press
 
December 12, 2007
 
 
WASHINGTON -- Retailers will begin selling equipment to allow the owners
of analog television sets to continue to watch over-the-airwaves
broadcasts after the nationwide switch to digital broadcasting in 2009,
the government said Tuesday.
 
Starting Jan. 1, 13 million to 21 million households that rely on an
antenna to watch TV can contact the government to receive two coupons
worth $40 each to buy converter boxes. The $1.5-billion program will end
March 31, 2009. The devices, which translate the digital signal for such
TV sets, will hit store shelves in mid-February.
 
Retail chains planning to sell them include Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Circuit
City, Target, Sears, Kmart and RadioShack.
 
"Over 100 retailers have been certified including a variety of small
stores, retail chains and these very large retailers," said Meredith
Baker, who is acting administrator of the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration, which is overseeing the coupon program.
 
"We have nationwide coverage with over 14,000 brick-and-mortar stores
involved as well as with online participation," she added.
 
Baker said the $1.5 billion should be enough to cover all affected
households.
 
Several companies, including Digital Stream Technology Inc., LG
Electronics Inc. and Royal Philips Electronics' Magnavox and Philco
units, have manufactured converter boxes that have been approved by the
government. Baker's agency is expected to certify several more devices
in the next few weeks.
 
The nation's broadcasters on Feb. 17, 2009, will turn off their analog
over-the-air broadcasts. Cable and satellite TV providers said they
would ensure that their subscribers continue to view programming after
the switch.
 
However, Congress has criticized the government for not having a
comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth transition to digital TV.
 
The Government Accountability Office said Tuesday that the
telecommunications administration, the Federal Communications Commission
and other agencies had made progress in consumer outreach but that
challenges still remained.
 
Several organizations have said they were concerned that many people,
particularly the elderly, the poor and minorities, would be caught off
guard when the change occurs.
 
Tuesday's GAO report also said there was uncertainty regarding
retailers' readiness and participation in the converter-box coupon
program.
 
Starting Jan. 1, people can apply for coupons by calling (888) 388-2009
or going to www.dtv2009.gov <http://www.dtv2009.gov/> .
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