Digital Television Converter Coupon Program FAQ

1. How do I know if I need a converter?
   If you use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna for TV reception, you probably need a converter. Television sets connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV services do not require converters but will if you ever want to receive over the air television. Televisions with digital tuners also do not need converters.
2. How can I request my coupons?
   Requests will be taken beginning January 1, 2008, and continue through March 31, 2009, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) (Coupon Hotline).
3. How do I know whether I'm eligible for a coupon?
   All households in the United States and its territories are eligible for coupons on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. How many coupons can I request?
   Each household can request a maximum of 2 coupons.
5. What is the value of a coupon?
   Each coupon is worth $40. Only one coupon can be used per converter.
6. What information will I need to provide the government to request my coupons?
   The government only requires information necessary to mail coupons: name, household address and number of coupons needed (maximum of 2). Applications are available beginning in 2008.
7. Will my coupons expire?
   Yes. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued.
8. Will I still need an antenna to receive my programming?
   Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air programming, you will still need it after you install a converter.  If you want to begin receiving the digital broadcasts using a converter box, you will need to install an appropriate antenna.
9. Where can I buy a converter?
   Beginning in early 2008, converters will appear in stores where you would also buy televisions and other consumer electronics products.
10. Can I buy a converter online?
    Yes, there are several retailers preparing to offer the converter boxes for sale online.
11. Can I use my coupon(s) to purchase any converter?
    No. The government will provide a list of eligible converters and participating retailers on its website listed below. Consumers can also ask participating retailers what converters in their stores can be purchased with a government coupon.
12. Can I use my coupon to purchase other consumer electronics products, such as DVD recorders or televisions?
    No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be redeemable only for purchase of eligible converters.
    
13. Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a converter I've already purchased?
    No. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time converters are purchased.
14. Will I need to buy a new television after February 17, 2009?
    No. Your existing television sets will continue to work after the digital transition if they are connected to converters. You do not need to discard your analog sets.  You will only need a new television if you want to take advantage of High Definition quality programming.
15. Will I receive Closed Captioning through a converter?
    Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to pass through Closed Captioning to display on your television.
16. Will I receive high-definition TV with the aid of a converter?
    No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying high-definition resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a converter. If you want to view high-definition TV, then you will need one of the newer sets rated for "high-definition" resolution.
17. How do I know whether my facility is eligible for coupons? For example, are prisons or group homes eligible to receive coupons?
    Applicants must meet the Census definition of a household as consisting of "all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters and has a separate U.S. postal address."
18. Why is the transition from analog to digital television happening?
    Because digital broadcasting is more efficient than the current "analog" technology, channel capacity is needed to provide programming to consumers. The unused spectrum which broadcasters no longer require will be used for two important purposes. First, it will be given to first responders - our nation's firefighters and police - to better communicate with each other during emergencies. Second, this spectrum will be auctioned off to provide innovative wireless broadband services to consumers.
    
     

For additional information about the digital television transition, visit the following Web sites to become familiar with your options for making a smooth digital transition:

www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon - NTIA Web site.

www.pioneer.org - Pioneer Public Television Web site or (800) 726-3178

www.dtvtransition.org - a one-stop clearinghouse of consumer information and tools to manage the digital transition, hosted by the DTV Transition Coalition.

www.dtv.gov - this is a government site offering comprehensive resources, including a consumer guide on what to look out for as the digital transition approaches.

www.myceknowhow.com - the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) offers this information to help consumers understand various available equipment options.

www.ceretailers.org - representing consumer electronics retailers, CERC (Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition) offers a Q & A about the transition as well as a consumer advisory alerting consumers to the cutoff date.