WASHINGTON — Millions of $40 government coupons become available today to help low-tech television owners buy special converter boxes for older TVs that might not work after the switch to digital broadcasting.
Beginning Feb. 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital set and still gets their programming via over-the-air antennas will no longer receive a picture. That’s the day the television industry completes its transition from analog broadcasting to digital.
Converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 at most major electronics stores. Starting today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will begin accepting requests for two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the purchase of boxes.
Viewers who have satellite or cable service will not need a box.
Congress, in ordering the transition to digital broadcasting, set aside $1.5 billion for the coupon program, which will fund 33.5 million coupons and other costs.
The first 22 million coupons go to any household that requests them. The rest of the coupons are only for those who do not subscribe to a pay-television service.
The Nielsen Co. estimates that 14.3 million households, or about 13 percent of the 112.8 million total television households in the nation, rely on over-the-air TV broadcasts.
Tony Wilhelm, director of consumer education for the NTIA, said the agency expects to have enough coupons to satisfy demand.
“We think the high number will be 26 million,” he said. “Low end is 10 million.”
Members of Congress have criticized the NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission for their work on the transition to digital television. In November, the Government Accountability Office released a report that concluded there is “no comprehensive plan” for the transition.
Most of the concern rests with public education. While Congress allocated $1.5 billion for the coupon program, only $5 million was for education. The Association for Public Television Stations reported in September that 51 percent of participants surveyed were unaware that the transition was taking place.
