Digital Converter Government Coupons for Analog TV Antenna Upgrade – 1/1/08

[HolyCow]

Digital Converter Government Coupons for Analog TV Antenna Upgrade – 1/1/08

After Feb.17, 2009, most broadcast TV stations will shut off their analog signals, which perhaps 20 million U.S. homes without cable or satellite still use. But Congress will help you pay the $50.00 to $70.00 cost of converting old TVs for the new digital signals.

Each household can get TWO $40 coupons toward the digital converters, But the government will mail the coupons on a first-come, first serve basis. Applications can be submitted starting Jan. 1, 2008, at
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html
or by calling
(888) 388-2009.

From GOV site:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html

Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005.

Starting January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more details on the federal regulations, including the budget information, please the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program Rules.

Not sure where to put this. Please move or sticky if you need to. Thanks

[laf76]

Thanks for the post. I think this should be a sticky also. There are many people who still just have regular local tv. This would help them a lot. I am going to forward this to many friends I know who could use this. Thanks!!

[chiquita55]

Thanks for the news but there is no where online to submit an application to get the coupons. At least I don't see it. If I am blind please point out where the online form is. thanks.

[mood4amelody]

Thanks for the news but there is no where online to submit an application to get the coupons. At least I don't see it. If I am blind please point out where the online form is. thanks.

Doesn't start til next month.

[HolyCow]

Thanks for the help, Sis.

Applications can be submitted starting Jan. 1, 2008, at
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html
or by calling (888) 388-2009.

[laf76]

Very easy to do. I ordered myself 2 and seems as though I will get them even though I have satellite.

www.dtv2009.gov Just click on apply for coupon! Very simple!

[gatito]

Website must be swamped or something. All three tries, says it apologizes that an error has occurred and that it will return you to the homepage in so many seconds.

i got the same msg..........................

[mood4amelody]

https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

Fast way to the form. Leave it to the gov't. to make it overly complicated. Got an error on it when I submitted, several times, tho. Will try later.

[mood4amelody]

Still tryin' ............

[bvanpeltsw]

Thank you!!!!

[countrypkin65]

Thank you!

[gatito]

it did it now ......thanks

[jmedina44]

Thanks! I ordered 2 today:D

[Motherofthree]

Thanks I just ordered two!!

[mood4amelody]

Me, too! Went right thru tonight! Thanks for the post Sis!!!

Thank you for applying for a Coupon online.

IMPORTANT:
TV converter boxes are not expected to be available in retail stores until late February or early March. You will receive your Coupon(s) then. The Coupon will expire within 90 days from the date it is issued.

Please print this page for your records; your application is reprinted below.

If you have any questions, you may call the Toll-Free Consumer Support Hotline
at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), 1-877-530-2634 (TTY), or write to us at:


TV Converter Box Coupon Program
PO Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208-2000

[mom2fussbudgets]

I had a mystery shop not so long ago where I had to perform a scenario regarding HD TVs. The dude told me as long as I subscribe to cable or satellite when the change happens, I'll be fine--my cable company will provide the necessary converter equipment. Not sure if he knows what he's talking about or not, but thought I'd share.

[rebate queen]

I had a mystery shop not so long ago where I had to perform a scenario regarding HD TVs. The dude told me as long as I subscribe to cable or satellite when the change happens, I'll be fine--my cable company will provide the necessary converter equipment. Not sure if he knows what he's talking about or not, but thought I'd share.

Yeah, my cable company sent me something saying that if I wanted to keep HBO I would have to start using a box for it. I've not done it yet, but I figure it might have something to do with this whole thing also.
I don't ever even watch HBO--but get this. When I called to have it taken off, my bill was going to be MORE! So, I left it--darn it, another thing I thought I was gonna save money on when I got rid of hubby!!

[LisaRKR]

I signed up for it and signed my grandmother and father up for it too. Just in case.........you know that they always screw up the simple things......and Murphy's Law says that those that aren't SUPPOSED to need the converter will somehow wind up being told that there was a mistake and everyone needs it. You know how it goes. I figured better to err on the side of caution

My tip for the day is to sign up any elderly people that will probably need these. Of course ask first, but I am sure that most will be quite happy to have the help.

[daisy]

thank-you:D

[bvanpeltsw]

Yeah, my cable company sent me something saying that if I wanted to keep HBO I would have to start using a box for it. I've not done it yet, but I figure it might have something to do with this whole thing also.
I don't ever even watch HBO--but get this. When I called to have it taken off, my bill was going to be MORE! So, I left it--darn it, another thing I thought I was gonna save money on when I got rid of hubby!!

Geesh who is your cable company?

Wait let me guess----COMCAST!

They are the devil!:eek:

[mom363546]

Thanks for the info!!

[HolyCow]

Ordered mine, as well. One by the phone # 888 388 2009 and one for my son online. Received confirmation reference numbers.

[rebate queen]

Geesh who is your cable company?

Wait let me guess----COMCAST!

They are the devil!:eek:

nope, it's Time Warner Cable! They've got me by the kahunas now because I have my phone, internet, DVR, and cable with them!!!:eek:

[flowermom07]

thank you, I ordered this too.

[blueseastar]

Hello. Thanks for the info! However, I must be REALLY dumb because I can not find where I can fill out for the coupon?? :confused:

[Cyndee]

:) thanks for the info. I gave this to my MIL awhile ago...but she hasn't done a thing about getting anymore info. I signed her up to receive a coupon.. this way, she can't complain that she has to pay full price for the convertor.

thanks bunches!

[rebate queen]

Hello. Thanks for the info! However, I must be REALLY dumb because I can not find where I can fill out for the coupon?? :confused:

Try calling the number--I don't know much about this post....
(888) 388-2009.

[cath_31]

Hello. Thanks for the info! However, I must be REALLY dumb because I can not find where I can fill out for the coupon?? :confused:

Look back at post #6. Laf76 gave the direct link to the form there.

[cath_31]

Thanks for this great post. I am holding off ordering this a little bit because it says that it expires 90 days from when they are issued. Does anyone know if these are readily available right now?? And if so, where have you seen them? Thanks.

[Cyndee]

Cath - at the site it said that the convertors wouldn't be available until Feb-March. This is about the time the coupons will be mailed out. then you can go to this site and find a retailer close to you to redeem the cpn.

[blueseastar]

Look back at post #6. Laf76 gave the direct link to the form there.

A-ha! Thanks!!!

[EdiB]

Thanks. I'll be needing this.

[cath_31]

Cath - at the site it said that the convertors wouldn't be available until Feb-March. This is about the time the coupons will be mailed out. then you can go to this site and find a retailer close to you to redeem the cpn.

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks for letting me know :).

[lizval99]

I received 2 gift cards in the mail yesterday. They expire in May and are worth $40 each. They have a list of local retailers that carry the converters and the converters that can be purchased. Around here you can purchase them at either Radio Shack or Wal-Mart.

[flowermom07]

I got mine in the mail today. Cool. :) Thanks for the post.

[caryn]

Thanks, I went ahead and ordered these for myself as well as for my mom.

[Lady Bandit]

Can anyone tell me how long it took for you to receive your coupons in the mail please?:) It has been a month for us and we are still waiting.

I know WalMart does redeem them.

[bvanpeltsw]

Can anyone tell me how long it took for you to receive your coupons in the mail please?:) It has been a month for us and we are still waiting.

I know WalMart does redeem them.

I received mine in 7 weeks.:)

[Lady Bandit]

Wow, quick reply. Thanks. Will keep on waiting and hoping it comes soon. Cannot afford a newer TV at this time. It is on my wish list with about a million other things. :)

[bvanpeltsw]

Wow, quick reply. Thanks. Will keep on waiting and hoping it comes soon. Cannot afford a newer TV at this time. It is on my wish list with about a million other things. :)

Ha, I am on here waaaayyy too much when Albert is busy. It is my addiction!:D

TV's will go down in price hopefully. Who knows what is going to happen with the economy.:(

[HolyCow]

Ordered Jan 1 and rec'd mine yesterday.

[VanillaBean]

I ordered in Jan and got mine in Feb. But they expire in may!

[Lady Bandit]

I hope by time I get my coupons they will still have the converter boxes at WalMart. I think they are about $55. up here in Alaska. :)

[HolyCow]

Walmart lists 2 digital converters on its website. One is Magnavox for $52.97. The other is an RCA for $49.87. My Walmart was out of the RCA's. So the clerk told me that the Magnavox's price was lowered to $49.97. I scooped it up. Will post to let you know how it's working.

P.S. Your coupons aren't really paper coupons. They're like a gift card, a plastic credit card which is scanned and kept.

[caryn]

Okay girls and guys,

Help me out here. If I have DISH network am I going to need this or not?

My TV's are not HD ready but are my boxes from DISH? Does anyone know?:confused:

[othermo]

no one on satellite or cable needs the converter box.

[HolyCow]

Here are some sites for the converter.

Circuit City: Zenith $59.99 – In store only.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Zenith-Digital-to-Analog-TV-Tuner-Converter-Box-DTT900/sem/rpsm/oid/204154/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Add’l info: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/genericContent.do?oid=206824

Walmart – Magnavox - $52.97 – In store only.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8283870

RCA - $52.97 – In store only
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8343230

Like I said, Walmart had the RCA at the store cheaper than listed on their website, so shop around before you purchase.

[flowermom07]

This is really a great thing. I actually ordered for my parents and guess what they threw out the envelopes thinking it was soliciting... Thank goodness we ordered and got them for all sets of parents.. :confused: Think old school.. please.. Italion one set.. Polish another set.. Oh yes we have fun w/ modern technology..;)

[CharlieRobinson]

I ordered one of these for my mom.

[HolyCow]

Check your Rebate Application Status:

https://www.dtv2009.gov/CheckStatus.aspx

[Psychosis]

I found out today that even if you get cable, you will still need a converter box. I read it in an article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24073432

That if you get your cable from a wire connected to the back of your TV, then you will need a converter box from your cable company. I have Charter and I called them to ask and see if the article was true and they told me yes. And that they will send out a notice to everyone around August or Sept.

For us, it will cost an extra $5 a month per TV. (+ tax of course):mad:

[MandMnmbr3]

I found out today that even if you get cable, you will still need a converter box. I read it in an article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24073432

That if you get your cable from a wire connected to the back of your TV, then you will need a converter box from your cable company. I have Charter and I called them to ask and see if the article was true and they told me yes. And that they will send out a notice to everyone around August or Sept.

For us, it will cost an extra $5 a month per TV. (+ tax of course):mad:

DH works for Charter. He said as long as your TV is digital ready you will NOT need a converter box unless you want to have premium channels. You will receive all of the basic channels.

Hugs,
Mae

[Psychosis]

How can you tell if your TV is digital ready?

[MandMnmbr3]

How can you tell if your TV is digital ready?

Most of the newer (from 2005 to present time) TV are digital ready. If your TV is digital ready it will say in your instruction manual.

I just found this online:

How Do I Know Whether I Own a DTV?

As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a digital tuner. In addition, effective May 25, 2007, the Commission required sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date. Retailers must inform consumers by prominently displaying the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner:

This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.dtv.gov. (http://www.dtv.gov/)


Hugs,
Mae

[HolyCow]

Thanks for the useful information.

[MandMnmbr3]

Thanks for the useful information.

You're very welcome.

Hugs,
Mae

[Lady Bandit]

Thanks for all the info. According to the site mine should go out in this weeks mail. I thank you all. :D :D :D

[gijoeswife]

I ordered this for my parents, and got it yesterday!

[GloryB]

I also got mine in the mail a few weeks after initially ordering it. It's like a gift card that can be used at a number of stores (WalMart, Best Buy, etc) towards the converter box. It is for $40. Someone told me WalMart had them on sale for $30. I'll check it out this weekend. I wonder if they give you the rest of the cash back? How cool would that be?

Either way, this is a GREAT freebie everyone should get. If you don't need it, surely there will be someone you know who does.

[Lady Bandit]

:( It has been 2 months of waiting so far for me. Said it was going out in last weeks mail. HA!:mad:

[Lady Bandit]

I also got mine in the mail a few weeks after initially ordering it. It's like a gift card that can be used at a number of stores (WalMart, Best Buy, etc) towards the converter box. It is for $40. Someone told me WalMart had them on sale for $30. I'll check it out this weekend. I wonder if they give you the rest of the cash back? How cool would that be?


Went to the FAQ and they said you would not get any change back if the converter boxes are less than the $40. coupon. If the converter boxes are less than the $40. the consumer would only have to pay any applicable sales tax.

[lizval99]

I used my cards at Wal-mart this weekend. The box was 49.99 so I owed 9.99 + tax on each. I got one box for me and one for my grandmother. The cards were put through the as a credit card and I had to sign the little credit card scanner computer screen.

[Lady Bandit]

Well, we FINALLY got our coupons for the box. Unfortunately WalMart is all out of them. :( Took forever to get here. At least they are good until July 14th.

[Cpogie]

Glad that you at least received the coupons! Walmart probably won't be out of the converters for too long. :)

Still hoping that we receive any cards at all and checking the mail faithfully... :(

Question? Can you email them and request it again or ask how come you haven't received yours?

[Lady Bandit]

According to the FAQs you can only get two coupons per physical address. So if you ordered two and they were lost you are out of luck, but if you only ordered one the first time you can get the other. :)

[HolyCow]

If anyone needs 2 converter coupons, I have 2 extra. Please PM me with your info and I will mail them out. They expire 6/19/08.

[Cpogie]

The second set requested under hubby's name and our new address is set to ship in a couple of weeks, when I use the status check on the website. If they don't show up, I am calling them. I'm holding out hope, as our mail service is very reliable out here in the rural sticks.

We had poor mail service at the previous address. The post office rejected all of our mail to the street address & couldn't explain why (not even the postmaster--he actually said, "I don't know" when the lady at the counter told him what was happening and walked away back to his office), told us to solve the issue by renting a p.o. box and filling out another forward from the street to the p.o. box, then still rejected mail. Who knows what happened to the first coupons...the feds say they were mailed, but we never received them.

Talk about poor manners at the Post Office, I had a problem with the mail here, I got on the computer and emailed the PO, they assign a number to the complaint and the PO here called me, they hate getting turned in this way, the Postmaster asked me to call him personally if I ever had a problem again, which I did, (we were on a first name basis by then) So far, so good!

[utkd29]

After two "approvals" (Janauary 1st and early March) and months of waiting, we finally received our two $40 cards. The 26-year-old RCA 9" B&W and the 15-year-old Toshiba 36" will live on to receive over-the-air signals past next February.

Are they selling these in the store yet? Also do you know how much they are priced for?

[Lady Bandit]

took forever to get the coupons, the WalMart was out of them. Now Wally world has them, but we are cash poor. LOL Some day we will get ours. Why did they take forever to mail the fool things is what I'd like to know?

[chercat]

I have basic cable right now , but I don't have a cable box.

Originally , I had been told sseveral years back that Comcast here was switching and EVERYONE needed to get digital cable. Then my sister , who lives in the area , badgered them about it and they finalyl admitted that you did not NEED to haev digital cable.

I rarely have time to watch TV and am pretty much content with the basic service which is primarily local programming.

Now I wonder if I NEED to buy the converter since I actually have cable and no antenna on my house ?

[Lady Bandit]

We got our box, finally. Cost us $11 after discount, coupon and the taxes. I connected it, wrong, lol. Redid it and am having a hard time trying to figure out how to make my VCR/DVD player work with the box on. I can make them work with the box turned off. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

We were told where we live we do not need to have the box because the translator tower will not be going digital, (found out after we got the box) but we wanted the extra channels the box gives us.

[utkd29]

Got my coupons in the mail! I only need one of them so maybe a family member can put it to good use!

[Mauiwowwee]

If anyone needs 2 converter coupons, I have 2 extra. Please PM me with your info and I will mail them out. They expire 6/19/08.ut dont they have your name printed on them?

[Mauiwowwee]

took forever to get the coupons, the WalMart was out of them. Now Wally world has them, but we are cash poor. LOL Some day we will get ours. Why did they take forever to mail the fool things is what I'd like to know?because you didnt sign up on line as soon as it was posted?

[jessiegirl]

I signed up when the offer was first available. My coupons have already came and since expired. The only store that had any here was Circuit City. Other than that WalMart was always out, so was Target, K-Mart and Radio shack.

[vimi2]

We recieved our coupons and got our boxes. Though we have dishnetwork, its not hooked up to ALL of our TVs. And since we camp, we use the 2nd one for the camper. We got ours at Walmart and paid $9.97 per unit. In our yard, our TV in the camper got an extra 5 channels!! So....check to see how many extra channels you get too!

[cath_31]

We got our box, finally. Cost us $11 after discount, coupon and the taxes. I connected it, wrong, lol. Redid it and am having a hard time trying to figure out how to make my VCR/DVD player work with the box on. I can make them work with the box turned off. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

We were told where we live we do not need to have the box because the translator tower will not be going digital, (found out after we got the box) but we wanted the extra channels the box gives us.

I see this was posted awhile back, but I just read it today. Hopefully you figured out how to get it to work. My husband is borrowing one from his Dad (he was trying to test something for him). I noticed that I couldn't get the VCR to work with it either. My husband said I need it on channel 4 instead of channel 3, like I used to. We need it on channel 91 for the DVD to work.

[bubblepower27]

I've never received my coupons, and when I searched ths status, they said that my request was never recorded! :o

[VanillaBean]

FYI- if anyone had this happen to you like it did me---got my coupons- been watching the stores like crazy to no avail- and ALL are ALWAYS out-of-stock with these converters- then the coupons expire and you didn't get to buy them- I was told on the phone-188dtv2009- to call during the week and talk to a spe******t to see about reactivating the coupons and try ordering them online instead of in your town. I will be calling to talk to someone because it doesn't seem quite fair that if my town is always out of them and then they(coupons) expire- we should still be able to either get some more cards reissued or get them reactivated!! So if you are like me and are finding it impossible to find these and then the coupons expire- call them. I will post again after I find out if the govt. is adressing this issue and what they plan to do to resolve it in a satisfactory way!!

[sissy546]

Mine have expired also. WM gets shipment in on Sunday night and they never have any when I get there. It is impossible to sell them all in a couple hours. Something is wrong with this. We have no cable here and if they don't do something we are without tv.

[lunarbeamdancer]

here in MI when we went to get our Digital Converter
box @ radio shack...we were told they were out but...they would order it from the ware house & they would ship it to us for free. the woman said that as soon as they get them (one case holding only 6)in they are gone in an hour. we ordered it & got it in 2 wks. try asking about ordering them right from the warehouse.

[ce.moody]

Okay girls and guys,

Help me out here. If I have DISH network am I going to need this or not?

My TV's are not HD ready but are my boxes from DISH? Does anyone know?:confused:

Hi caryn,

You're not going to need this. If you order HD from DISH network, your TVs will have to be HD-compatible.

Hope this helps.

[gingefur]

I seriously could not be any more disappointed in this program. Neither I nor my parents have received our coupons. According to the website, they were sent and have now long since expired. Now, they have a notice saying that under no circumstances will they reissue any coupons. I have attempted to contact them numerous times by phone and email to no avail. This is a true inconvenience since I do not have cable, satellite, or a digital tv. I guess that I'll be reading a whole lot more.