[Mishmash] Federal Analog Television Convertor Box Coupons

[Fred Atkinson]

Folks,

    This information will only be useful to those of you who are in the
United States.

    On February 17, 2009, most analog television signals will be removed
from service and all television signals received 'over the air' will be
digital television.  Excepts will be translators and television stations
that are classified as 'low power' (and I have no clue as to how the FCC
defines a television station as a 'low power' station.  I'm sure there
is a power limit, but I don't know what that limit is defined to be).

    If you are on cable or satellite, you won't be terribly affected as
the box the cable or satellite company provides will handle the
conversion for you.

    The federal government is subsidizing the cost of these converter
boxes.  Each street address in the United States is entitled to two of
these coupons.  You may get one either by calling (888) DTV-2009 or by
going to http://www.dtv2009.gov on the World Wide Web.  According to
this Web site, the converters will sell for between fifty and seventy
dollars.  Each coupon will entitle you to a forty dollar discount (one
per converter box).  Any more than two will have to be purchased at the
full price.

    Get your name on the list for these coupons if you expect you will
need one of these boxes.  If you expect to be on cable or satellite as
long as you still own analog televisions, you may not wish to invest in
one or more.

    However, if you don't know, I'd go ahead and get the box(es) for my
sets.  As I might relocate at any time with no clue as to where I might
end up, I expect that I'll get one for myself.

    The other option is to just replace your television(s) with an high
definition television (digital television receiver).

    The coupons will not be mailed to you until the converter boxes hit
the shelves in your area.  I discovered that they won't be on the
shelves here in Atlanta until February 2009.

    The coupons will only be good for a period of ninety days.  Get
yourself on that list.

    Regards,



                                                                    Fred
Atkinson