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- Digital transition required of all TV stations by June 12, 2009Official Site: Coupon Program Update
- Coupon program initiated in January 2008Official Site: Coupon Program Update
- Ran out of funding in December 2008Official Site: Coupon Program Update
- New funding eliminated waiting list in March 2009Official Site: Coupon Program Update
- Program will accept applications until July 31, 2009 - pending fundsOfficial Site: Coupon Program Update
- Coupon value is $40Official Site: Coupon Program Update
- Limited to two coupons per householdOfficial Site: Coupon Program Update
- Coupons are mailed via USPS first class mailOfficial Site: Coupon Program Update
- Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed
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DTV Converter Coupon program was initiated by the FCC in 2008. Early into 2009 the program experienced some shortfalls in funding, and a waiting list was started. Coupons requested by consumers are sent out on an ATM-style card that can then be used at retail outlets for $40 off of the purchase of a DTV converter box.
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Background
The original transition date for digital television was February 17, 2009. After funding ran out and a waiting list was formed, the NTIA realized that many people would not receive their coupons in time for the switch over. As of mid-March 2009, over 54 million coupons had been requested with over 25 million having been redeemed at retail outlets. An addition $650 million in funding for the coupons was passed with the government stimulus bill in February 2009.USA Today: Digital TV coupon program... (March 24, 2009)Digital Television
Digital Television (DTV) is a broadcasting technology that utilizes digital signals instead of analog signals to provide viewers with better sound and picture quality. It can also provide interactive capabilities and offers multicasting - a service which allows stations to broadcast several channels of free programming at once instead of separately.The Digital Transition: What is Digital Television?
