Because digital technology is so superior to analog, the U.S. Government has made a ruling that all TV broadcasts on and after February 17, 2009 will be digital. Amreicans must update to keep getting free television and can order a free $40 coupon to help with the transition.
No More Rooftop or Rabbit-Ear Antennas?
It is hard to imagine that good old rabbit ears and painstakingly installed rooftop antennas will no longer work with TV sets anymore on and after this date..
In less than one year, more than 20 million homes using antennas for free plain old-fashioned analog television broadcasting may suddenly have televisions that stop working. What must Americans do to prepare?
To prepare for the change, Congress has developed a $1.5 billion subsidy program to make sure people are helped with the conversion. Each U.S. household can apply for two $40 coupons to use to discount converter box purchases. The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is preparing to send out 33.5 million coupons, to those requesting them, which will begin mailing on from now until they.
Eight consumer electronics retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart, have been certified to participate in the "TV Converter Box Coupon Program," along with over 100 other retailers. This will add up to about 14,000 stores throughout the country.
The Association for Public Television Stations, found in a September 2008 study, that 51 percent of people surveyed had no idea that the transition was taking place next year. Another study, which focused on households that receive their television signals mainly over the air, found that 57 percent had still not heard about the transition.
It is important to get the news out. Public television is running informative spots to inform people and help them through this change. Each person in the U.S. can help by telling another person or two.
Nat'l Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA)
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