FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

[Guest guest]

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now availableby Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public RadioJanuary 1, 2008Listen to feature audioIn a little more than a year, television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, consumers can apply for government coupons to reduce the cost of the switch. The $40 coupons are good toward the cost of converter kits that will allow conventional analog televisions to receive digital signals. Viewers without digital TVs, cable or satellite service will need the converters to continue receiving free broadcast signals starting in February of 2009. St. Paul, Minn. — Vickie and Les Milverstedt of Hastings are about to take the plunge. "We're kind of getting ourselves a Christmas present -- after Christmas," Les says. The Milverstedts were recently at Robert Paul TV in Roseville, trying to decide which sleek, high-definition, flat-panel TV to bring home. They settled on a more than three-foot-wide screen and they're excited by the brilliant picture. New televisions, like the one the Milverstedts are buying for $2,000 are equipped with digital receivers -- ready and waiting for digital broadcast signals. First-of-its-kind change in technologyBut the Milversteds have a few older TVs that are not digital-ready. Even so, like the vast majority of Americans, the Milverstedts will be ready when all TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting. They have cable and their provider will take care of the conversion for them. TV watchers who use antennas and who have TVs that are not equipped with digital receivers will have to install converter kits to continue viewing free broadcast programming. "I don't think this can liken itself to anything," says Robert Paul TV owner and president Ben Albaugh. Albaugh says broadcasting upgrades have long been a part of TV. But he says never before has technology threatened to make existing equipment obsolete. "They added color in the 1960s. They added stereo sounds in the 1980s, but the old TVs continued to work," Albaugh says. "This is the first time where the product that you have will no longer function without something to go in between.I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."- Robert Paul TV owner Ben AlbaughTo help consumers with the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting, Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to subsidize the cost of the converter kits. Each household can get up to two coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a small box that will translate digital signals, so analog TVs will be able to understand them. Anthony Wilhelm of the U.S. Department of Commerce says the easiest way for people to get the coupons is to call the program's toll-free number or to apply via the program's Web site. "It'll be a card like a gift card, so it will be a plastic card. You can swipe it at the point of sale, so it's something that consumers are used to," Wilhelm says. "It will have a 16-digit number on it like a credit card. You can also use it in an online environment by putting in that number." The catch, Wilhelm says, is the coupons are only good for 90 days. And since the switch is more than a year away, he suggests consumers wait to see if the price of converter kits, which are currently selling for about $60 to $70, goes down. Wilhelm says there's plenty of money allocated for the coupons, and people who wait to apply need not worry about the government running out of money for the program. He says the government is relying primarily on the television industry to get the word out to the public about the converter kits. The President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim du Bois, says surveys suggest many Americans don't understand the implications of the switch to digital broadcasting. But du Bois expects that will change soon. "I think you'll see in 2008 a greater number of public service announcements, more programming on stations to call this to the attention of viewers. And look for our association to be doing more too, to help promote this transition," says du Bois. "But I do have some concerns. I think that people have a vague understanding of what's happening, but they may not know the specifics." Back at Robert Paul TV, owner Ben Albaugh says he's hearing from customers who want to know what's going on with the upcoming conversion, particularly, he says, older people with older TVs. His advice is to pay attention, but don't rush to buy. "I guess I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this." Albaugh also says he suspects that even people with cable or satellite TV will likely need one or two converter boxes -- say for that old TV in the garage or the basement that's not hooked up to the service. Go here to get your coupon http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/ «¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»§ - PULSE ON NEW ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE! §Subscribe:......... - «¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»

[Guest guest]

Just what is the big deal about digital tv?!?!

Thirty years ago I was watching tv as a teenage with an aerial antenna. Yeah okay in those days the picture was pretty lousy but I don't watch enough tv now to NEED a digital receiver! My programming comes in clear enough for me. But wait... with digital there can be programming inside of programming. I guess a year from now I will no longer be watching it at all.

Can anyone say Big Brother?

 

Kenneth T

 

-

NWRaven

1 @ ; 1 MedicalConspiracies@googlegrou ; 1 Paranormal_Research@

Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:12 AM

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now available

by Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio

January 1, 2008

Listen to feature audio

In a little more than a year, television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, consumers can apply for government coupons to reduce the cost of the switch. The $40 coupons are good toward the cost of converter kits that will allow conventional analog televisions to receive digital signals. Viewers without digital TVs, cable or satellite service will need the converters to continue receiving free broadcast signals starting in February of 2009.

St. Paul, Minn. — Vickie and Les Milverstedt of Hastings are about to take the plunge.

"We're kind of getting ourselves a Christmas present -- after Christmas," Les says.

The Milverstedts were recently at Robert Paul TV in Roseville, trying to decide which sleek, high-definition, flat-panel TV to bring home.

They settled on a more than three-foot-wide screen and they're excited by the brilliant picture. New televisions, like the one the Milverstedts are buying for $2,000 are equipped with digital receivers -- ready and waiting for digital broadcast signals.

 

First-of-its-kind change in technology

But the Milversteds have a few older TVs that are not digital-ready. Even so, like the vast majority of Americans, the Milverstedts will be ready when all TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting.

They have cable and their provider will take care of the conversion for them.

TV watchers who use antennas and who have TVs that are not equipped with digital receivers will have to install converter kits to continue viewing free broadcast programming.

"I don't think this can liken itself to anything," says Robert Paul TV owner and president Ben Albaugh.

Albaugh says broadcasting upgrades have long been a part of TV. But he says never before has technology threatened to make existing equipment obsolete.

"They added color in the 1960s. They added stereo sounds in the 1980s, but the old TVs continued to work," Albaugh says. "This is the first time where the product that you have will no longer function without something to go in between."

"I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

- Robert Paul TV owner Ben Albaugh

To help consumers with the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting, Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to subsidize the cost of the converter kits. Each household can get up to two coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a small box that will translate digital signals, so analog TVs will be able to understand them.

Anthony Wilhelm of the U.S. Department of Commerce says the easiest way for people to get the coupons is to call the program's toll-free number or to apply via the program's Web site.

"It'll be a card like a gift card, so it will be a plastic card. You can swipe it at the point of sale, so it's something that consumers are used to," Wilhelm says. "It will have a 16-digit number on it like a credit card. You can also use it in an online environment by putting in that number."

The catch, Wilhelm says, is the coupons are only good for 90 days. And since the switch is more than a year away, he suggests consumers wait to see if the price of converter kits, which are currently selling for about $60 to $70, goes down.

Wilhelm says there's plenty of money allocated for the coupons, and people who wait to apply need not worry about the government running out of money for the program. He says the government is relying primarily on the television industry to get the word out to the public about the converter kits.

The President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim du Bois, says surveys suggest many Americans don't understand the implications of the switch to digital broadcasting.

But du Bois expects that will change soon.

"I think you'll see in 2008 a greater number of public service announcements, more programming on stations to call this to the attention of viewers. And look for our association to be doing more too, to help promote this transition," says du Bois. "But I do have some concerns. I think that people have a vague understanding of what's happening, but they may not know the specifics."

Back at Robert Paul TV, owner Ben Albaugh says he's hearing from customers who want to know what's going on with the upcoming conversion, particularly, he says, older people with older TVs. His advice is to pay attention, but don't rush to buy.

"I guess I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

Albaugh also says he suspects that even people with cable or satellite TV will likely need one or two converter boxes -- say for that old TV in the garage or the basement that's not hooked up to the service.

Go here to get your coupon

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

[Guest guest]

Isn't it something like - if you don't get a converter you will no longer be able to access TV at all? Just like we can't watch your videos because ours are a different type?

 

-

Kenneth

Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:23 PM

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

Just what is the big deal about digital tv?!?!

Thirty years ago I was watching tv as a teenage with an aerial antenna. Yeah okay in those days the picture was pretty lousy but I don't watch enough tv now to NEED a digital receiver! My programming comes in clear enough for me. But wait... with digital there can be programming inside of programming. I guess a year from now I will no longer be watching it at all.

Can anyone say Big Brother?

 

Kenneth T

 

-

NWRaven

1 @ ; 1 MedicalConspiracies@googlegrou ; 1 Paranormal_Research@

Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:12 AM

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now available

by Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio

January 1, 2008

Listen to feature audio

In a little more than a year, television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, consumers can apply for government coupons to reduce the cost of the switch. The $40 coupons are good toward the cost of converter kits that will allow conventional analog televisions to receive digital signals. Viewers without digital TVs, cable or satellite service will need the converters to continue receiving free broadcast signals starting in February of 2009.

St. Paul, Minn. — Vickie and Les Milverstedt of Hastings are about to take the plunge.

"We're kind of getting ourselves a Christmas present -- after Christmas," Les says.

The Milverstedts were recently at Robert Paul TV in Roseville, trying to decide which sleek, high-definition, flat-panel TV to bring home.

They settled on a more than three-foot-wide screen and they're excited by the brilliant picture. New televisions, like the one the Milverstedts are buying for $2,000 are equipped with digital receivers -- ready and waiting for digital broadcast signals.

 

First-of-its-kind change in technology

But the Milversteds have a few older TVs that are not digital-ready. Even so, like the vast majority of Americans, the Milverstedts will be ready when all TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting.

They have cable and their provider will take care of the conversion for them.

TV watchers who use antennas and who have TVs that are not equipped with digital receivers will have to install converter kits to continue viewing free broadcast programming.

"I don't think this can liken itself to anything," says Robert Paul TV owner and president Ben Albaugh.

Albaugh says broadcasting upgrades have long been a part of TV. But he says never before has technology threatened to make existing equipment obsolete.

"They added color in the 1960s. They added stereo sounds in the 1980s, but the old TVs continued to work," Albaugh says. "This is the first time where the product that you have will no longer function without something to go in between."

"I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

- Robert Paul TV owner Ben Albaugh

To help consumers with the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting, Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to subsidize the cost of the converter kits. Each household can get up to two coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a small box that will translate digital signals, so analog TVs will be able to understand them.

Anthony Wilhelm of the U.S. Department of Commerce says the easiest way for people to get the coupons is to call the program's toll-free number or to apply via the program's Web site.

"It'll be a card like a gift card, so it will be a plastic card. You can swipe it at the point of sale, so it's something that consumers are used to," Wilhelm says. "It will have a 16-digit number on it like a credit card. You can also use it in an online environment by putting in that number."

The catch, Wilhelm says, is the coupons are only good for 90 days. And since the switch is more than a year away, he suggests consumers wait to see if the price of converter kits, which are currently selling for about $60 to $70, goes down.

Wilhelm says there's plenty of money allocated for the coupons, and people who wait to apply need not worry about the government running out of money for the program. He says the government is relying primarily on the television industry to get the word out to the public about the converter kits.

The President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim du Bois, says surveys suggest many Americans don't understand the implications of the switch to digital broadcasting.

But du Bois expects that will change soon.

"I think you'll see in 2008 a greater number of public service announcements, more programming on stations to call this to the attention of viewers. And look for our association to be doing more too, to help promote this transition," says du Bois. "But I do have some concerns. I think that people have a vague understanding of what's happening, but they may not know the specifics."

Back at Robert Paul TV, owner Ben Albaugh says he's hearing from customers who want to know what's going on with the upcoming conversion, particularly, he says, older people with older TVs. His advice is to pay attention, but don't rush to buy.

"I guess I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

Albaugh also says he suspects that even people with cable or satellite TV will likely need one or two converter boxes -- say for that old TV in the garage or the basement that's not hooked up to the service.

Go here to get your coupon

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

[Guest guest]

That is what I understand. All broadcasters will be required to transmit ONLY in the digital medium. I don't know why this is mandatory except as a way of control.

Can anyone say subliminal messages?

 

Kenneth T

 

-

Jane MacRoss

Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:53 AM

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

Isn't it something like - if you don't get a converter you will no longer be able to access TV at all? Just like we can't watch your videos because ours are a different type?

 

-

Kenneth

Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:23 PM

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

Just what is the big deal about digital tv?!?!

Thirty years ago I was watching tv as a teenage with an aerial antenna. Yeah okay in those days the picture was pretty lousy but I don't watch enough tv now to NEED a digital receiver! My programming comes in clear enough for me. But wait... with digital there can be programming inside of programming. I guess a year from now I will no longer be watching it at all.

Can anyone say Big Brother?

 

Kenneth T

 

-

NWRaven

1 @ ; 1 MedicalConspiracies@googlegrou ; 1 Paranormal_Research@

Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:12 AM

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now available

by Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio

January 1, 2008

Listen to feature audio

In a little more than a year, television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, consumers can apply for government coupons to reduce the cost of the switch. The $40 coupons are good toward the cost of converter kits that will allow conventional analog televisions to receive digital signals. Viewers without digital TVs, cable or satellite service will need the converters to continue receiving free broadcast signals starting in February of 2009.

St. Paul, Minn. — Vickie and Les Milverstedt of Hastings are about to take the plunge.

"We're kind of getting ourselves a Christmas present -- after Christmas," Les says.

The Milverstedts were recently at Robert Paul TV in Roseville, trying to decide which sleek, high-definition, flat-panel TV to bring home.

They settled on a more than three-foot-wide screen and they're excited by the brilliant picture. New televisions, like the one the Milverstedts are buying for $2,000 are equipped with digital receivers -- ready and waiting for digital broadcast signals.

 

First-of-its-kind change in technology

But the Milversteds have a few older TVs that are not digital-ready. Even so, like the vast majority of Americans, the Milverstedts will be ready when all TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting.

They have cable and their provider will take care of the conversion for them.

TV watchers who use antennas and who have TVs that are not equipped with digital receivers will have to install converter kits to continue viewing free broadcast programming.

"I don't think this can liken itself to anything," says Robert Paul TV owner and president Ben Albaugh.

Albaugh says broadcasting upgrades have long been a part of TV. But he says never before has technology threatened to make existing equipment obsolete.

"They added color in the 1960s. They added stereo sounds in the 1980s, but the old TVs continued to work," Albaugh says. "This is the first time where the product that you have will no longer function without something to go in between."

"I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

- Robert Paul TV owner Ben Albaugh

To help consumers with the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting, Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to subsidize the cost of the converter kits. Each household can get up to two coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a small box that will translate digital signals, so analog TVs will be able to understand them.

Anthony Wilhelm of the U.S. Department of Commerce says the easiest way for people to get the coupons is to call the program's toll-free number or to apply via the program's Web site.

"It'll be a card like a gift card, so it will be a plastic card. You can swipe it at the point of sale, so it's something that consumers are used to," Wilhelm says. "It will have a 16-digit number on it like a credit card. You can also use it in an online environment by putting in that number."

The catch, Wilhelm says, is the coupons are only good for 90 days. And since the switch is more than a year away, he suggests consumers wait to see if the price of converter kits, which are currently selling for about $60 to $70, goes down.

Wilhelm says there's plenty of money allocated for the coupons, and people who wait to apply need not worry about the government running out of money for the program. He says the government is relying primarily on the television industry to get the word out to the public about the converter kits.

The President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim du Bois, says surveys suggest many Americans don't understand the implications of the switch to digital broadcasting.

But du Bois expects that will change soon.

"I think you'll see in 2008 a greater number of public service announcements, more programming on stations to call this to the attention of viewers. And look for our association to be doing more too, to help promote this transition," says du Bois. "But I do have some concerns. I think that people have a vague understanding of what's happening, but they may not know the specifics."

Back at Robert Paul TV, owner Ben Albaugh says he's hearing from customers who want to know what's going on with the upcoming conversion, particularly, he says, older people with older TVs. His advice is to pay attention, but don't rush to buy.

"I guess I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

Albaugh also says he suspects that even people with cable or satellite TV will likely need one or two converter boxes -- say for that old TV in the garage or the basement that's not hooked up to the service.

Go here to get your coupon

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

[Guest guest]

So whats changing?

 

-

Kenneth

Friday, January 25, 2008 7:33 AM

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

That is what I understand. All broadcasters will be required to transmit ONLY in the digital medium. I don't know why this is mandatory except as a way of control.

Can anyone say subliminal messages?

[Guest guest]

We no longer care about content and programming... NO longer watch TV. Thought it would be terrible but on the contrary, ITS fabulous!

 

Sincerely Barb M.

 

 

----

 

 

Kenneth

1/24/2008 5:23:45 AM

 

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

 

Just what is the big deal about digital tv?!?!

Thirty years ago I was watching tv as a teenage with an aerial antenna. Yeah okay in those days the picture was pretty lousy but I don't watch enough tv now to NEED a digital receiver! My programming comes in clear enough for me. But wait... with digital there can be programming inside of programming. I guess a year from now I will no longer be watching it at all.

Can anyone say Big Brother?

 

Kenneth T

 

-

NWRaven

1 @ ; 1 MedicalConspiracies@googlegrou ; 1 Paranormal_Research@

Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:12 AM

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now available

by Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio

January 1, 2008

Listen to feature audio

In a little more than a year, television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, consumers can apply for government coupons to reduce the cost of the switch. The $40 coupons are good toward the cost of converter kits that will allow conventional analog televisions to receive digital signals. Viewers without digital TVs, cable or satellite service will need the converters to continue receiving free broadcast signals starting in February of 2009.

St. Paul, Minn. — Vickie and Les Milverstedt of Hastings are about to take the plunge.

"We're kind of getting ourselves a Christmas present -- after Christmas," Les says.

The Milverstedts were recently at Robert Paul TV in Roseville, trying to decide which sleek, high-definition, flat-panel TV to bring home.

They settled on a more than three-foot-wide screen and they're excited by the brilliant picture. New televisions, like the one the Milverstedts are buying for $2,000 are equipped with digital receivers -- ready and waiting for digital broadcast signals.

 

First-of-its-kind change in technology

But the Milversteds have a few older TVs that are not digital-ready. Even so, like the vast majority of Americans, the Milverstedts will be ready when all TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting.

They have cable and their provider will take care of the conversion for them.

TV watchers who use antennas and who have TVs that are not equipped with digital receivers will have to install converter kits to continue viewing free broadcast programming.

"I don't think this can liken itself to anything," says Robert Paul TV owner and president Ben Albaugh.

Albaugh says broadcasting upgrades have long been a part of TV. But he says never before has technology threatened to make existing equipment obsolete.

"They added color in the 1960s. They added stereo sounds in the 1980s, but the old TVs continued to work," Albaugh says. "This is the first time where the product that you have will no longer function without something to go in between."

"I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

- Robert Paul TV owner Ben Albaugh

To help consumers with the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting, Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to subsidize the cost of the converter kits. Each household can get up to two coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a small box that will translate digital signals, so analog TVs will be able to understand them.

Anthony Wilhelm of the U.S. Department of Commerce says the easiest way for people to get the coupons is to call the program's toll-free number or to apply via the program's Web site.

"It'll be a card like a gift card, so it will be a plastic card. You can swipe it at the point of sale, so it's something that consumers are used to," Wilhelm says. "It will have a 16-digit number on it like a credit card. You can also use it in an online environment by putting in that number."

The catch, Wilhelm says, is the coupons are only good for 90 days. And since the switch is more than a year away, he suggests consumers wait to see if the price of converter kits, which are currently selling for about $60 to $70, goes down.

Wilhelm says there's plenty of money allocated for the coupons, and people who wait to apply need not worry about the government running out of money for the program. He says the government is relying primarily on the television industry to get the word out to the public about the converter kits.

The President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim du Bois, says surveys suggest many Americans don't understand the implications of the switch to digital broadcasting.

But du Bois expects that will change soon.

"I think you'll see in 2008 a greater number of public service announcements, more programming on stations to call this to the attention of viewers. And look for our association to be doing more too, to help promote this transition," says du Bois. "But I do have some concerns. I think that people have a vague understanding of what's happening, but they may not know the specifics."

Back at Robert Paul TV, owner Ben Albaugh says he's hearing from customers who want to know what's going on with the upcoming conversion, particularly, he says, older people with older TVs. His advice is to pay attention, but don't rush to buy.

"I guess I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

Albaugh also says he suspects that even people with cable or satellite TV will likely need one or two converter boxes -- say for that old TV in the garage or the basement that's not hooked up to the service.

Go here to get your coupon

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

[Guest guest]

LOL - I felt a bit like that when my pc was out of commission for a whole week until 2 days ago!!

 

Jane

 

-

B Magnatta

Friday, January 25, 2008 9:41 AM

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

 

 

We no longer care about content and programming... NO longer watch TV. Thought it would be terrible but on the contrary, ITS fabulous!

 

Sincerely Barb M.

 

 

----

 

 

Kenneth

1/24/2008 5:23:45 AM

 

Re: FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

 

Just what is the big deal about digital tv?!?!

Thirty years ago I was watching tv as a teenage with an aerial antenna. Yeah okay in those days the picture was pretty lousy but I don't watch enough tv now to NEED a digital receiver! My programming comes in clear enough for me. But wait... with digital there can be programming inside of programming. I guess a year from now I will no longer be watching it at all.

Can anyone say Big Brother?

 

Kenneth T

 

-

NWRaven

1 @ ; 1 MedicalConspiracies@googlegrou ; 1 Paranormal_Research@

Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:12 AM

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

FREE Coupons for digital TV converters now available

by Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio

January 1, 2008

Listen to feature audio

In a little more than a year, television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, consumers can apply for government coupons to reduce the cost of the switch. The $40 coupons are good toward the cost of converter kits that will allow conventional analog televisions to receive digital signals. Viewers without digital TVs, cable or satellite service will need the converters to continue receiving free broadcast signals starting in February of 2009.

St. Paul, Minn. — Vickie and Les Milverstedt of Hastings are about to take the plunge.

"We're kind of getting ourselves a Christmas present -- after Christmas," Les says.

The Milverstedts were recently at Robert Paul TV in Roseville, trying to decide which sleek, high-definition, flat-panel TV to bring home.

They settled on a more than three-foot-wide screen and they're excited by the brilliant picture. New televisions, like the one the Milverstedts are buying for $2,000 are equipped with digital receivers -- ready and waiting for digital broadcast signals.

 

First-of-its-kind change in technology

But the Milversteds have a few older TVs that are not digital-ready. Even so, like the vast majority of Americans, the Milverstedts will be ready when all TV stations move from analog to digital broadcasting.

They have cable and their provider will take care of the conversion for them.

TV watchers who use antennas and who have TVs that are not equipped with digital receivers will have to install converter kits to continue viewing free broadcast programming.

"I don't think this can liken itself to anything," says Robert Paul TV owner and president Ben Albaugh.

Albaugh says broadcasting upgrades have long been a part of TV. But he says never before has technology threatened to make existing equipment obsolete.

"They added color in the 1960s. They added stereo sounds in the 1980s, but the old TVs continued to work," Albaugh says. "This is the first time where the product that you have will no longer function without something to go in between."

"I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

- Robert Paul TV owner Ben Albaugh

To help consumers with the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasting, Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to subsidize the cost of the converter kits. Each household can get up to two coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a small box that will translate digital signals, so analog TVs will be able to understand them.

Anthony Wilhelm of the U.S. Department of Commerce says the easiest way for people to get the coupons is to call the program's toll-free number or to apply via the program's Web site.

"It'll be a card like a gift card, so it will be a plastic card. You can swipe it at the point of sale, so it's something that consumers are used to," Wilhelm says. "It will have a 16-digit number on it like a credit card. You can also use it in an online environment by putting in that number."

The catch, Wilhelm says, is the coupons are only good for 90 days. And since the switch is more than a year away, he suggests consumers wait to see if the price of converter kits, which are currently selling for about $60 to $70, goes down.

Wilhelm says there's plenty of money allocated for the coupons, and people who wait to apply need not worry about the government running out of money for the program. He says the government is relying primarily on the television industry to get the word out to the public about the converter kits.

The President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim du Bois, says surveys suggest many Americans don't understand the implications of the switch to digital broadcasting.

But du Bois expects that will change soon.

"I think you'll see in 2008 a greater number of public service announcements, more programming on stations to call this to the attention of viewers. And look for our association to be doing more too, to help promote this transition," says du Bois. "But I do have some concerns. I think that people have a vague understanding of what's happening, but they may not know the specifics."

Back at Robert Paul TV, owner Ben Albaugh says he's hearing from customers who want to know what's going on with the upcoming conversion, particularly, he says, older people with older TVs. His advice is to pay attention, but don't rush to buy.

"I guess I would caution people to not be too nervous. They do have a long time to get this."

Albaugh also says he suspects that even people with cable or satellite TV will likely need one or two converter boxes -- say for that old TV in the garage or the basement that's not hooked up to the service.

Go here to get your coupon

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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