FAQs about the TV Converter Boxes

Here you will find the most common questions regarding Digital TV Converter Boxes

What is a TV converter box?

A TV converter box is a small square electronic device that hooks into your TV and allows it to pick up digital television signals.

Where can I buy a TV converter box from?

A TV converter box can be purchased online, over the phone, or at a store.  The easiest way to get a converter box is by visiting your local electronics dealer.  Places like Wal-Mart or Radio Shack would be a good place to go.

How much does a digital converter box cost?

Digital TV converter box prices can range from $50 to over $100 depending on what features you get.  You can get the government $40 off coupon to reduce the price by $40.

Can I buy any converter box and use my coupon?

No, you must buy a government certified converter box or you cannot use the coupon

How big is a TV converter box?

A TV converter box is about the size of an average novel book.  They can easily site on top of your TV or DVD player.

How do I hook up my converter box?

The best thing to do is consult your owner’s manual but it is very easy.  You just have to hook one wire into your TV and then hook an antenna up to your converter box.

Can I get a digital converter box and begin using it today?

Yes! A lot of channels already have digital signals going out so you can begin enjoying the benefits immediately.

What is the best converter box that I can get?

If you are interested in finding the best converter boxes out there we suggest you check out some TV converter box reviews.

FAQs about the DTV Transition

Here you will find the most common questions regarding the digital television transition and answers to these questions

 What is the DTV transition?

The DTV transition in the government controlled gradual switch from dual analog/digital television signals to exlcusively digital television signals. 

When will the transition take place?

The DTV transition switch will happen on February 17th, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.

Why is the government requiring the digital transition?

The digital transition is happening because it will provide consumers with a better picture, higher sound quality, and more/new programming options.  It will also open up analog airwaves for emergency services.

How will the transition affect me?

If you have an analog TV it will not work after the transition unless you have cable, satellite, or a TV converter box.

What should I do to prepare for the digital transition?

First you should find out if you have an analog TV (most made before 2004 are analog). If you do have an analog television you need to do one of the three things listed above to keep your TV working.  The other option is to buy a new TV that already has a digital tuner built into it.

 

 

 

Frequently Ask Questions section

Over the next few days I will be making a few FAQ pages.

These pages will go as follows:

FAQs about the DTV Transition

FAQs about TV Converter Boxes

FAQs about the Converter Box Coupon Program

FAQs about Using your Converter Box Coupon

FAQs about Getting your Converter Box Coupon

That is all for now but if I come up with any others I will add them also.

Using Your TV Converter Box Coupon

In my last two post I have been covering many different things related to the digital transition and continuing to watch TV after this transition.  A couple days ago I outlined the digital transition and gave you all details about what the transition was and how you could prepare yourself for it.  Then yesterday I gave my you all information about how you can get a TV converter box coupon from the government so that you can save $40 on the purchase of your converter boxes. 

Today I will be going over the details about when, where, and how you can use your converter box coupon once you receive it.

Once you get your converter box coupon you need to find a place that  you can use it at.  Only government certified retailers can accept the coupon code so you will have to choose one of these.  Most larger retailers like Wal-Mart, Circuit City, and Best Buy are certified retailers. 

After choosing a retailer you will need to decided on a converter box.  Again, only a government certified TV converter box can be purchased with your coupon.  You will have to check out lists on the Internet to find out which ones are certified.  Your local retailer will also be able to tell you if a certain one is certified or not.

Once you get your coupons you need to be very careful because there is a strict limit of 2 coupons per household and they cannot be re-sent if they are lost or stolen. Each coupon can only be used toward the purchase of 1 converter box. This means that in order to use both coupons you will have to buy 2 converter boxes.

Also, converter box coupons are only good for 90 days from the mailing date and cannot be renewed so make sure you use it before it expires.

Today I have given you a very short and quick overview of how you can use your digital TV converter box coupon program.  Tomorrow I will go into more detail about your converter box coupon and the digital transition but coming up with a FAQ post that outlines certain questions my readers might be having and then giving answers.

In the meantime if you have questions leave me a comment or call 1-888-DTV-2009 for more information about the digital television transition and the coupon program.

Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program

In my last post I gave my readers very general information about the digital transition and converter boxes.  I went over what the digital transition was, the history behind the digital transition, when the digital transition will be occuring, and what you can do to continue watching TV after the transition.  Reviewed and compared the three different options that we all have for continuing to watch TV after the transition and gave you my opinion about which one I thought was the best.

Now that I have give you all a foundation on what the digital transition is and my opinion on the converter box option being the best one I wanted to take this blog in the direction of providing information about comparisons of analog to digital TV converter boxes.

Today I am going to write about the government sponsored coupon program for the converter boxes.  After reading this post you should know everything that you need to about the coupon program and be able to get your own coupon.  Tomorrow I will give information on using the coupon and today I will provide information on getting the coupon.

To get a converter box coupon you need to visit the governments website dtv2009.gov.  Here you will find everything you need to get the coupon.  Once here you will realize that there are several different options for getting your coupon.  You can get your digital to analog converter coupon through the mail and can apply through the mail, internet, telephone, or fax.

If you want to make your order through the internet you can do it at the dtv2009.gov website.  Here you will simply give them your name and address and they will verify that it is legit and that you haven’t already order your limit of 2 coupons.  After applying it should take several weeks for them to mail your coupon and 2-9 to receive it after it is mailed.  If you don’t get your coupon after awhile please call the government (NTIA) about it and they will be able to assist you.

If you make your order through telephone you will need to call 1-888-DTV-2009.  This is a 24-hour hotline so you can call it anytime.

If you are interested in mailing your application for the coupon then you need to mail it to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

Finally, if you decided to fax your Digital Television converter box coupon application you will need to fax it to 1-877-DTV-4ME2.

The 4 ways listed above are the only ways to apply for the coupon.  You cannot apply for your converter box coupon at any store or library and if anybody says so they are trying to scam you!!

If you have any other questions about getting your DTV Converter Box Coupon please leave a comment with your question.