Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today reminded Arkansans who are still not digital-television ready that they have five days to request converter box coupons before the deadline of Friday, July 31.
“Arkansans who have not yet made the switch to digital television have less than a week to apply for converter box coupons,” said Lincoln. “Through the Department of Commerce’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program, each Arkansas household can receive up to two $40 coupons toward the purchase of converter boxes if you previously relied on free over-the-air broadcasting before the digital transition June 12. To apply for the coupons, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.”
Consumers have three options to receive digital television: subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service; buy a television with a digital tuner; or purchase a TV converter box with or without a government coupon. When connected to an older analog TV and antenna, a TV converter box allows the television to receive over-the-air digital television signals.
Coupons must be redeemed at the time of purchase, and consumers are encouraged to call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes on the day they plan to shop. Consumers may re-apply for coupons only if their previously issued coupons expired without being redeemed. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed and have the expiration date printed on them.
For more information about the switch to digital broadcasting, visit www.dtv2009.gov.
