Are we really...?

Question

going to loose tv in February 2009. If we don't get a convertor box. I don't have cable or satelite tv or a new fancy HDTV, just an antena and plain old regular tv's. Do I really need a convertor?

Answer 1

There is a suggestion that are going to try to fase out the ordinary transmission but they have to make it affordable befor they can cut the current transmission and I doubt it will be by 2009 and if so it will only cost AU$50 to get a converter or set top box so there isn't really anything to worry about. I have also heard that the converters are going to be available for hire soon too and I think they wil only be $5 a week.

Answer 2

Golfer is 100 percent correct.  The price of the boxes may vary a little and the net cost may be higher as a result.  Generally I tell people to expect the box to cost $60.  The coupons - 2 of which you may have per address - are worth $40 each.  Makes the $60 box cost $20 plus the tax on the $60 retail amount.

I applied for the converter box coupons so I can actually tell you that they do exist.  It took me about two months to get mine but it might take you less.

The only exception to the February 17, 2009 deadline is that some low power stations and repeaters may change later than that.  BUT the coupon program will likely run out of money before that unless Congress passes further spending.  So since you will need this box anyway sometime soon -- if you live in the US that is -- you should get the coupon and then get the box as soon as you can.

Sites where you can read more about this:

http://www.dtv2009.gov   -- To apply for the coupons and learn about the reasons why.

http://www.dtvanswers.com  -- For more information about the switch from the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters

http://www.lptvanswers.com -- For information about low power stations and repeaters in your area

http://www.antennaweb.org -- For information about what kind of antenna you need for high power digital stations in your area

Answer 3

Assuming your in the U.S., you will need a converter box. The FCC is giving $40 off coupons and the converters are around $55 so it will cost you about $15.

For more info and to apply for a coupon go to

https://www.dtv2009.gov/

The converter box rebate coupons are real. There's a run on them so it may take awhile to get yours but it's not a scam or hoax