HD TV Converter Box - What's it About?

On February 17, 2009, the government mandated full-power television broadcasters to switch signals to digital form. Older TVs that receive only analog signals will not be able to receive new digital signals unless they are connected to a cable or satellite system. Or it must be connected to an HD TV converter box.

The HD TV converter box provides digital-to-analog signal conversion that allows older TVs to receive new digital signals. Without this accessory box, there is no reception. The government offers two special $ 40 coupons per household until March 31, 2009, or until supplies disappear, to offset the estimated $ 40- $ 70 cost per box The Coupons are only valid for parental controls, alerts, auto-off, zoom, intensity indicators, and certain converter boxes that require energy saving and program guides.

With a converter box, an old TV has a visually clear vision and sound, making an old TV look like a new one. Many boxes still have problems syncing sound and video on a specific channel. In 2003, the government decided that manufacturers would stop producing analog television and create digital-ready sets. The reason was the expectation that the audience watching the signal of the air broadcast would disappear. The Consumer Electronics Association estimates that by the year 2009, only about 6.8% of viewers are watching broadcasts because most viewers are currently using cable or satellite services.

To apply for a government coupon to use when purchasing an HD TV converter box, you can apply online, call the coupon program 24 hours a day, 7-888-388-2009, or run the application on PO BOX 2000 [ To Portland]. Or 97208-2000. You can download the application from the Internet site and fax it to 1-877-388-4632. TTY service is also available for hearing impaired people. Complete information is available on the government website www.dtv2009.gov. Coupon is valid for 90 days from the mailing date.

Only certain converter boxes can be used with these coupons, but the list is very long. You can find here: Coupon Eligible Converter Box: [https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm]. The coupon looks like a store gift card and can only be used in a qualified box.

The government determined that it would be a public benefit to change to a digital broadcast signal to free the broadcast spectrum for public services. Space is needed for police, firefighting, and emergency services, and more space for wireless channels. Digital broadcasters can broadcast multiple channels over the previous single analog channel and publish more programs. With an HD TV converter box you can receive all these new HD channels.

Analog TV cable and satellite subscribers can continue to receive through these companies without purchasing a new converter box. A battery-powered analog TV must be connected to a receiving converter box. If you don't have a converter box or a new TV that already contains an internal digital system, there will be no radio reception from a full power station.