Coupons Available for Digital Converters

By: Barbara Herring | WSAV-TV
Published: January 01, 2008

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If you're a low-tech TV owner who has a set of rabbit ears on top of your set or an old-style antenna sitting on your roof, listen up.

Beginning today, you can obtain a $40 coupon from the government to help you make the transition into digital broadcasting.

The coupon will help pay for special converter boxes that will convert digital signals to old-style analog signals.

Beginning February 18th, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital set and still gets their programming using over-the-air antennas will no longer receive a picture. That's the day the television industry completes its transition to digital broadcasting.

The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 - $70.

Viewers who have satellite or cable service won't need a box.

To request a coupon, you can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov . The government has also set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).