Updated: 07/30/2009 3:08 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

DTV Converter Box Coupon Deadline Approaching

Television viewers who haven't yet made the switch to DTV have just one week left to request a coupon for a digital television converter box.

The deadline to request a $40 coupon is July 31. Eligible households can receive up to two coupons.

On June 12, television stations shut down their analog broadcasting systems and switched to digital broadcasts. The transition was part of a plan to free up airwaves for better communication for first responders.

Consumers who subscribe to cable or satellite services or those who own a television with a digital tuner do not need a digital converter. Those who own an older analog TV that operates with an antenna do need a converter.

If you already requested a coupon, but lost it or failed to redeem it before it expired, you can apply for a new one.

For more information about the switch to digital broadcasting, visit http://www.dtv2009.gov/.

To request converter box coupons, call 1-888-DTV-2009.

Consumers who continue to experience reception problems can call the Federal Communications Commission hotline at 1-888-CALL-FCC.