Old TV, No Cable? Gov’t Has Coupon for You
Posted on January 2, 2008 in Technology
If you’re still watching over-the-air broadcasts on an old analog television, the government is providing coupons for converter boxes which will keep your TV working when broadcasters make the analog-to-digital transition next year.
When the switch takes place on February 17, 2009, all analog televisions without the converter boxes will no longer be able to pick up any over-the-air signal.
The coupons, available at dtv2007.gov, will take $40 off the cost of the converter boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 and $70.
The application for the coupons is short and simple, and allows up to two coupons per household.
The analog-to-digital transition promises TV watchers a clearer picture and more programming options. Some of the analog frequencies freed up by the switch will be given to police and fire departments for communication.
The government is poised to make money on the switch by auctioning most of the frequencies to wireless companies.
Consumers who subscribe to cable or satellite television services will be unaffected by the change.
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Happy New Years Evan. My Big Brother conspiracy theorist tells me to reject the coupon for the box from the government but at the same time I do appreciate that those without cable or satellite are not left out in the cold when it comes to the new technology.
Happy New Year to you as well, E_Dragon!
The funny thing is, the switch only affects people without satellite or cable, yet the coupons are provided over the internet.
How many people do you know who watch TV using rabbit ears and also browse the internet?
Chances are, the answer is none.
LOL There are probably a few. =) I won’t say where they most likely reside but I am guessing there are a few.
Newfoundland?
This has got to be one of the dumbest uses of money ever. I wonder who passed the law…
The switch to Digital does free up frequencies for law enforcement and such though, as you said. That’s a good thing :)
Do they have trailer parks in Newfoundland? Probably. =)
I THINK IT IS GREAT WE CAN USE OUR RABBIT EARS.