Government is diving coupons for converter boxes for your TV

**Mom23boys** · 01-01-2008, 06:58 PM

In 2009, you must have digital televisions are they will not work. You can also purchase a converter box instead of buying a new tv. The government is trying to help with the expense by giving away 2 coupons per household.

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

**sdrjeolsen** · 01-01-2008, 07:12 PM

Thanks!

**acidcookie** · 01-01-2008, 07:15 PM

Thanks!

I just want to add that this converter box is only required for antenna-based television. So if you subscribe to cable or satellite you need not worry about this.

**inneedofhope** · 01-01-2008, 07:19 PM

Thanks, I signed up for one, we only use antenna.

**brenda67** · 01-01-2008, 07:19 PM

Thank you very much..

toile · 01-01-2008, 07:20 PM

Can I ask a sort of along these lines question?

If we have no dish/cable we get only one station and it's in Spanish.
I went to the antenna website and locates you and tells you what you need to buy for reception, it agreed that I only will have one station...

With these new boxes, its the same thing right?
Only one station.
It wont improve my channells and allow me to dump dish right?

Thanks for this post, I had no idea!

**Michelle68** · 01-01-2008, 07:26 PM

I had read that you will still need a converter box if you don't subscribe to digital cable. For example, we only subscribe to the basic/standard cable service which is analog. Here's the link to the government info site: http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html

--Michelle

**AmyBoz** · 01-01-2008, 08:51 PM

I don't need to worry about this, but it is very interesting. I had no idea! Thanks for posting this, Michelle!

**ktsmama** · 01-02-2008, 10:49 AM

Does anyone know how much these boxes will cost?

**tina150** · 01-02-2008, 10:56 AM

I think $40 ?

**bee9984** · 01-02-2008, 12:38 PM

I saw a commercial last night on a Canadian channel regarding this but I didn't quite catch it all.

Thanks for the info.

**frugalfriend** · 01-02-2008, 12:58 PM

Thanks for this info! I applied for the coupon but my request was denied saying that I had already applied, when I had never even heard of it! I had to appeal by email and will wait to see what happens. How weird!

**Michelle68** · 01-02-2008, 07:07 PM

The converter boxes will not be available until sometime in February at retailers and will cost between $50-$70. I called and was approved for two coupons. That's strange that they denied your request, Frugalfriend.

--Michelle