Expired DTV Coupon? Reapply today!
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has now begun accepting replacement applications from consumers who have allowed their coupons to expire without being redeemed. This marks a change in policy for expired coupon holder’s who were originally denied by the coupon program after their DTV Coupons had expired.
Congress made changes to the coupon program when it passed a recent act to postpone the digital transition date from February 17th to June 12th. The same act also included a change to the wording on how the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Agency) could mail out coupons to households.
Changed From: No more than two coupons should be sent to any one household.
Changed To: No more than two coupons per household can be redeemed.
Though the changes seem small, consumers can now request up to (2) new coupons to replace your old expired converter box coupons. The Government’s website also points out that you will not need the old expired coupons to reapply, so if you’ve lost or had them stolen, there’s no need to worry.
How to Reapply: Consumers can apply for replacement coupons by visiting www.dtv2009.gov
Indoor DTV Antenna Reviews
What is the best DTV antenna for my house, apartment, or condo?
It’s one of the most common questions we receive here at tvconversionhelp.com and at our forum www.dtvusaforum.com. One of the most important factors in determining which type of antenna you’ll need for receiving dtv signals, is by figuring out how far TV broadcast towers are from your house or dwelling. Estimating this distance might be difficult to do on your own, but we’ve found a useful website that’ll calculate the distance for you (free). www.tvfool.com - Just click on the “Start Here” at tvfool and enter your zip code for detailed broadcast tower distance results from your location.
Indoor antennas
A good indoor antenna can receive digital television signals approximately 15-20 miles away from broadcast towers depending on your area topography. Your results may vary depending on objets like hills, mountains, or trees that can deflect signals from reaching your antenna.
On to the reviews…
Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna
Positive:
Easy Setup
UHF and VHF Elements (Recommended by most news channels for indoor reception)
Preassembled
Amplified and optimized to receive both UHF and VHF channels
High-gain antenna array can be oriented horizontally or vertically for optimum reception
Strong fit and finish
Negative:
Slightly directional design may require adjustment for some channels depending on location from broadcast towers
The bottom line:
One of the most visually appealing DTV antennas to hit the market this last year. #1 seller at Amazon for indoor antennas, and highly regaured at HDTV and DTV forums as the goto antenna for indoor digital television reception.
Product Description:
Product Dimensions: 5.4 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
ASIN: B0007MXZB2
Item model number: HDTVA
Antennas Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna
Positive:
Easy setup!
Preassembled
11.4 dB Gain, Strong performance across entire UHF band (Channels 14-69)
Fit and finish is good
Negative:
Not the prettiest looking anenna on the market
The bottom line:
Performance designed antenna that may go the extra distance over the Terk HDTVa antenna with receiving digital signals. The author of this article uses this antenna, and has it situated behind the TV cabinet out of view from anyone in the living room.
Product Description:
Product Dimensions: 4 x 19 x 12 inches ; 5 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
ASIN: B000EHUE7I
Item model number: DB2
Winegard SS-3000 Amplified Indoor UHF/VHF Antenna
Positive:
Easy Setup and minimal adjustment needed with mounting
Preassembled
Scatter Plane Technology To Receive Indoor Direct and Reflected Signals
Negative:
long profile design may not be suitable for placing this antenna on a small table or on top of an equipment cabinet
The bottom line:
This antenna is a close tie with the Antennas Direct DB2, but offers better VHF performance and may provide better performance across the UHF band too.
Product Description:
Product Dimensions: 27 x 4.5 x 5 inches ; 3.3 pounds
Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
ASIN: B001DFZ5II
Item model number: SS-3000
WINEGARD SS-3000 AMPLIFIED INDOOR U/V ANTENNAHIGH-PERFORMANCE INDOOR ANTENNA; SCATTER PLANE TECHNOLOGY TO RECEIVE INDOOR DIRECT and REFLECTED SIGNALS; PRECISION-MOUNTED ELECTRONICS FOR ULTRA EFFICIENT TRANSFER OF DIGITAL SIGNAL; COMPACT DESIGN FOR ANY HOME DCOR; RANGE UP TO 30 MILESZONE 1 (YELLOW/GREEN) ;
DTV postponed to June 12th, 2009
The digital transition has been postponed from February 17th, 2009 to June 12th, 2009 after the House voted to approve the delay this afternoon. President Barack Obama will need to sign the bill before the delay becomes official, but has said he will do so once it lands on his desk.
What you need to know about the DTV Delay:
All TV broadcasters now must stop broadcasting analog signals after 6-12-2009(Known as the digital transition) Broadcasters can choose to shut off their analog signals any time before 6-12-09. If your broadcaster decides to broadcast digital only signals and your analog TV does not have a converter box, you will not receive that specific station’s channel. Even though the DTV delay bill has been approved, expired coupon holders still cannot reapply to the dtv coupon program. There may be ammendments added to allow expired coupon holders to apply again, and as these details become available, we’ll update this post.
The delay may confuse some consumers due to a provision that allows for broadcasters to choose to transition to digital only signals ahead of the 6-12-09 date. TVConversionHelp recommends visiting your local television channel’s website for information as it becomes available on their plan to transition to DTV.
Second Vote set for DTV Delay on February 4th, 2009
The Senate has approved a second bill to delay the digital transition from Feb. 17th, 2009 to June 12th, 2009. Before becoming official, the House will only need a simple majority vote in favor of the bill to pass as opposed to the 2/3 majority vote needed for last weeks defeated bill.
With the delay expected to pass this go around, the Senate’s new bill has made some concessions to allow television stations the option to delay or proceed with the digital transition on Feb. 17th. Broadcasters have complained that a delay would force them to incur unnecessary costs by having to broadcast both analog and digital signals for almost 4 more months.
If the delay bill does pass, are television stations going to choose toshut off analog broadcasts anyway on Feb 17th, 2009?
ARSTechnica reported,
Republicans, however, argue that current FCC rules would still prevent many stations from transitioning ahead of the pack.
and the reasoning?
In a letter sent to the Federal Communications Commission today, Barton and Stearns also question whether the revised language will truly make the delay voluntary, suggesting that “because of interference concerns, most broadcast stations would not be allowed to transition under current FCC rules until around the time that all broadcast stations transition.”
DTV deadline extension a bad idea?
The Obama administration is considering a postponement of the DTV transition, which is scheduled to occur on February 17, 2009. If the extension is granted, consumers would benefit, but at the expense of several public service agencies and corporations.
The FCC has provisioned parts of the analog broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads), after the switch to digital television. These Government agencies are preparing to use the analog frequencies based on the Feb 17th, 2009 transition date. If an extension is granted, it would also force public safety agencies to postpone use of the “valuable analog specrtum“.
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council) sent a joint letter (Jan. 9th), asking that the analog frequencies be allocated to public safety agencies and emergency responders inspite of an impending deadline extension. The letter was signed by the chiefs of each orgnization.
The FCC has already auctioned off billions of dollars worth of analog spectrum to mobile phone, wireless internet carriers, and Google to provide more advanced services.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin has voiced concerns that a delay would not only cost the U.S. Government more money, it would also delay telecom and internet corporations from utilizing the old analog frequencies.
-written by acwriter
Ref: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6628361.html?desc=topstory
DTV Guide for Procrastinators
As of Dec. 2008, approximately 7 million U.S. households still need to convert to Digital Television (also known as DTV). If one or all of your TVs are not equipped to watch DTV signals, you will run the risk of not being able to watch television broadcasts after the Digital Transiton.
What and when is the Digital Transition?
All full-power television stations will stop broadcasting analog television signals, and switch to digital only broadcasts after February 17th, 2009. This “switch”, is defined as the Digital Transition.
Who does the digital transition affect?
Analog television sets that are not connected to cable or satellite service, and receive television broadcasts with an antenna, will need a DTV converter box to continue receiving DTV signals after February 17th, 2009.
What is consdered an ”Analog Television Set”?
Reference your TV manual for the words NTSC or NTSC tuner, which means National Television System Committee. If you have an NTSC tuner, you will need a DTV converter box to view DTV signals. If your manual designates your TV as containing an ATSC tuner (Advanced Television Systems Committee), you own a digital television set capapable of receiving DTV signals, and will not need a converter box.
What if you don’t have your TV Manual?
Visit our guide: How do I know if I have a Digital TV or alternatively you can register at our Digital TV Forum and post the manufacture and model number of your television set for us to research.
If you need a DTV Converter Box, Apply and Use a DTV Coupon
The U.S. Government is providing assistance in the form of $40 TV Converter Box Coupons to help with purchasing up to two converter boxes. Visit here for info on how to apply for DTV Coupons. For a list of retailers approved to accept DTV Coupons with purchase of a converter box, visit the Government’s: Locate a Converter Box Retailer Near You
Which DTV Converter Box should I Buy?
Here are a few sites you can reference for converter box reviews and comparisons:
Converter Box Reviews, Ratings, and Comparisos at DTV USA Forum
Which (nearly) free DTV converter box should I buy? at CNET
DTV Converer Boxes Ratings at Consumer Reports
Do I need an Antenna for DTV?
Yes. If you own a set of rabbit ears, try connecting them to your converter box.
You can also use your existing roof mounted antenna to connect to your DTV conerter box.
If you still receive the “Weak Signal” or “No Signal” message, you may want to upgrade to a powered indoor or outdoor antenna capable of UHF and VHF, DTV signal reception. For more information on how to troubleshoot or improve your DTV reception, visit the following DTV antenna resources:
Maximize your television reception at antennaweb.org
DTV Reception at DTV USA Forum
Choosing an Antena at DTV Answers
DTV Converter Box Installation Videos and Help Resources:
The following videos are from YouTube, and show the basic installation of a conveter box on a TV set with an RF (coax) connection input. Video 1 shows a converter box installaion to TV . Video 2 shows how to connect a converter box to a VCR and TV.
Is the DTV Transition Boosting Television Sales
With the analog to digital transition deadline less than six weeks away, some consumers are opting to purchase a new television set instead of upgrading their old analog TV with a digital converter box. Competitively priced DTV television sets are now selling for less than $250, and according to a University of San Francisco professor of business, Eugene Muscat, “What is driving the sales up is fear; there is a lot of fear on the part, especially of older people, that their TV sets are not going to be functional.”
DTV converter boxes are a cost effective and easy way to upgrage your old analog television set. They can cost anywhere between $40 to $80 (depending on features such as analog pass-thru), and with assistance from the government in the form of $40 TV converter box coupons, some reports are showing that consumers can bring the total out-the-door cost down to as little as $8.00 including taxing.
Consumers who are holding out until after the February 17th, 2009 digital transition date to purchase a converter box may run into supply problems at department stores. At a recent Consumer Electronics Show, Best Buy Inc.’s chief executive Brad Anderson had the following to say on converter box demand versus supply, “I think it’s one of the biggest risks our industry has.” In other words, don’t wait!
-written by acwriter
Texas Firefighters To The DTV Rescue
In addition to battling blazing fires in burning buildings, firefighters in Texas are volunteering to help citizens battle confusion over the transition to digital television. Five of the local fire departments in the Rio Grande Valley area, and the Hidalgo County Emergency Services Division have teamed up to help the 2-1-1 service and local television stations in providing assistance to citizens in hooking up their digital-to-analog converter boxes.
These citizens include the elderly and the disabled who may otherwise be left in the dark after the February 17 deadline for the digital transition.
It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of the Rio Grande Valley homes currently have cable or satellite television subscriptions, and 30 percent of consumers receive over-the-air signals television signals. Those citizens who are currently watching with analog television without a paid subscription service and are receiving television signals via an antenna will have to obtain a digital converter box to continue watching their favorite shows. KRGV NewsChannel 5 general manager John Kittleman has stated “that the Valley’s percentage of over-the-air homes is the highest in the continental United States”. He and others are concerned that possibly half of the 108,000 homes in the Valley area receiving television via antennas will not be ready.
In order to receive assistance in installing your converter boxes from our heroes in the firefighter department and other emergency responders, you must have already purchased your converter box and/or digital antennas. If you have purchased the needed items and cannot move your television to install the equipment or need other help installing the box or antenna dial 2-1-1 and help will be on their way. This service is being provided to make sure all citizens have a chance to continue watching television after the analog to digital transition. As this particular program is being established in the Rio Grande Valley area and other areas around the United States, please call your local firefighter departments to see if they are participating in this community effort in your area.
written by acwriter
Ref: http://www.themonitor.com/articles/residents_21452___article.html/dtv_homes.html