It looks like anyone can get the $40 coupons. From what I've seen on forums etc. the converter boxes will probably cost $50-$60. So it seems there will be some out of pocket expense to get a converter box.
I just applied and got approved for 2 conversion coupons
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It looks like anyone can get the $40 coupons. From what I've seen on forums etc. the converter boxes will probably cost $50-$60. So it seems there will be some out of pocket expense to get a converter box.
This directly from your URL. If you do not have an analog TV then it is plain and simple dishonesty and fraud to obtain the coupon!
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
That is not his URL that is the government's URL. and it states that everyy household is eligible.
No TV requires a converter box from the program. Not every household is entitled to apply for up to 2 coupons. There si no dishonesty or fraud involved.
here is link to the govt site that defines eligibility NTIA: Digital TV Transition and Public Safety
you can check it for yourself but it clearly says
"5. How do I know whether I'm eligible for a coupon?
All households in the United States and its territories are eligible for coupons on a first-come-first-served basis."
No TV requires a converter box from the program. Not every household is entitled to apply for up to 2 coupons. There si no dishonesty or fraud involved.
here is link to the govt site that defines eligibility NTIA: Digital TV Transition and Public Safety
you can check it for yourself but it clearly says
"5. How do I know whether I'm eligible for a coupon?
All households in the United States and its territories are eligible for coupons on a first-come-first-served basis."
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https://www.dtv2009.gov/AboutProgram.aspx is the exact same web site, just a different page. Read it for yourself.
DTV Transition and the Coupon Program
What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
I don't believe trying to find out how many households have nothing but analog TVs is fair either. At our house, we have 5 TVs. 4 have Analog Tuners and one is a HD TV with a Digital Tuner. Based on this, we have 4 TVs that "could" need boxes.
It is also not fair to say that just because we don't currently use OTA that we shouldn't get them. We have OTA on the HD Set as we get a good picture. With the Analog signals, we get little more than static. If I had a digital signal on the other TVs (which could occur with the boxes) the picture would be acceptable and we would probably use it to watch OTA, where we don't currently (simply due to the poor quality).
Geoff
There is nothing in this post that says that anyone is not entitled to the coupons. In fact it says that "US Households" are eligible---without any restrictions. I think you are confusing the guidance about what type of sets requirE a box with a restricition applying to households with ANY sets that don't requie the box.
I have also shown you the NTIA site and it is clear that we are entitled to it. I intend to sue mine on analog sets. There is nothing in the regulation or your link that states that this is appropriate. In fact it says "
I have already shown you the page that addresses this issue directly. If that does not satisfy you I suspect that nothing will.
I realize that some of you a re surprised by this. I also realize that you may not think it wise policy. I simply as that you not call us dishonest for requesting something that we wre explicitly entitled to.
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i was merely commenting on the fact that some of the OTA households may not need this and the fact that we don't seem to have any stats that address how many households woudl have no TV at all if not for a coupon.
I agree with you that many of us have analog sets in addition to sets with access to digital TV. I am in that boat and that is why I investigated who was eligible and reqwuested the coupons when I discovered taht I was eligible.
Some people have morals and some people don't. The ones with morals would apply for the coupons as intended. The ones without morals will come up with any excuse they can to justify their immorality.
I see the man in the mirror when I shave and I know he is a just and upright man who knows what is morally right and what is not.
Here is the NTIA commentary on the final rule. In the interest of being complete I will provide it all but see paragraph 8
" Upon careful consideration of all arguments raised in the comments for and against limiting household eligibility criteria, NTIA has decided not to initially limit household eligibility in the Coupon Program to households reliant exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts for television service. Accordingly, the Final Rule permits coupons to be distributed initially to all U.S. households. As proposed in the NPRM and consistent with the definition used by the U.S. Census Bureau, a “household” consists of all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as a separate U.S. postal address. [ 25 ] NTIA received a comment from SunBelt Multimedia Company that requested the household definition to be expanded to allow multiple families residing at a single address to each count as a household, based on the community or income criteria. [ 26 ] NTIA recognizes that multiple families may exist in households as defined by this Final Rule, however, it would be administratively difficult to determine the number and location of these households and to establish a definition based on community or income criteria."
The rest si shown below.
II. Discussion
A. Eligible U.S. Households
4. After February 17, 2009, households may make one or more of several consumer choices to achieve digital-to-analog conversion, such as via cable or satellite service (where available), or through a converter device. [ 9 ] In the NPRM, NTIA proposed to define those U.S. households eligible to participate in the Coupon Program as “those households that only receive over-the-air television signals using analog-only television receivers."[ 10 ] NTIA further proposed to make households that receive cable or satellite television service, even if those households have one or more analog television signals not connected to such service, ineligible for the Coupon Program.
5. Many commenters disagreed with NTIA’s proposed definition and argued that all consumer households should be eligible to receive coupons. [ 11 ] Given the funding level and the possibility that many households with cable or satellite service may wish to purchase a converter box, commenters expressed concern about excluding any household. [ 12 ] Commenters also expressed concern about those consumers that may need to rely on over-the-air capabilities in times of emergency. Some commenters argued that the Act and the legislative history do not support NTIA’s proposed definition and that the Agency lacks the statutory authority to limit the eligibility requirements. [ 13 ] For example, in Joint Industry Comments, the commenters argued that the Act and the legislative history, as well as practical considerations, “preclude any implementation of the program that would exclude from coupon eligibility analog sets in cable or satellite-served homes not connected to those services.” [ 14 ] Likewise the Consumer Electronics Retailer Coalition (CERC) argued that there is no basis in the Act or the legislative history to support the standard proposed in the NPRM. [ 15 ]
6. Several comments raised other points in favor of expanding eligibility beyond that proposed in the NPRM. For example, some commenters noted that even cable and satellite households may need the ability to receive signals over the air in times of emergency or severe weather. [ 16 ] Others noted that limiting coupons to over-the-air-only households could disadvantage satellite customers who receive their local broadcast signals over the air. [ 17 ] Operators of Class A and LPTV stations noted that these facilities will continue to broadcast in analog after February 17, 2009, that most of these facilities are not eligible for cable or satellite must carry and that NTIA should not deny converter-box subsidies to households that rely on analog receivers to watch Class A and LPTV stations over the air, even if they have another means to view digital full-power stations. [ 18 ] Consumers Union contended that denying converter boxes to all households would cause disruptions in service that could undermine consumer support for the digital television transition. [ 19 ] RadioShack suggested that limiting eligibility could reduce demand for converter boxes, thus raising their costs and potentially harming low-income households. [ 20 ]
7. NTIA recognizes that limiting eligibility as proposed in the NPRM would be difficult to enforce. There are no lists of households that only receive over-the-air television broadcasts. Moreover, as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recognized, it would be a highly challenging task to obtain a list of cable and satellite subscribers in order to identify over-the-air-reliant homes by the process of elimination. [ 21 ] In fact, it would be difficult for NTIA to determine which U.S. households currently have, or plan to obtain, an analog television set requiring a CECB. Moreover, efforts to confirm eligibility would likely delay reasonable and timely distribution of coupons. [ 22 ] Unless NTIA devoted substantial resources to review applicants’ certifications of eligibility, there would be potential for waste, fraud and abuse. [ 23 ] Such efforts could also substantially increase the costs of administering the program. [ 24 ]
8. Upon careful consideration of all arguments raised in the comments for and against limiting household eligibility criteria, NTIA has decided not to initially limit household eligibility in the Coupon Program to households reliant exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts for television service. Accordingly, the Final Rule permits coupons to be distributed initially to all U.S. households. As proposed in the NPRM and consistent with the definition used by the U.S. Census Bureau, a “household” consists of all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as a separate U.S. postal address. [ 25 ] NTIA received a comment from SunBelt Multimedia Company that requested the household definition to be expanded to allow multiple families residing at a single address to each count as a household, based on the community or income criteria. [ 26 ] NTIA recognizes that multiple families may exist in households as defined by this Final Rule, however, it would be administratively difficult to determine the number and location of these households and to establish a definition based on community or income criteria.
again I realize that some of you thought that the rule was different but it is what it is. We are all eligible.
" Upon careful consideration of all arguments raised in the comments for and against limiting household eligibility criteria, NTIA has decided not to initially limit household eligibility in the Coupon Program to households reliant exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts for television service. Accordingly, the Final Rule permits coupons to be distributed initially to all U.S. households. As proposed in the NPRM and consistent with the definition used by the U.S. Census Bureau, a “household” consists of all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as a separate U.S. postal address. [ 25 ] NTIA received a comment from SunBelt Multimedia Company that requested the household definition to be expanded to allow multiple families residing at a single address to each count as a household, based on the community or income criteria. [ 26 ] NTIA recognizes that multiple families may exist in households as defined by this Final Rule, however, it would be administratively difficult to determine the number and location of these households and to establish a definition based on community or income criteria."
The rest si shown below.
II. Discussion
A. Eligible U.S. Households
4. After February 17, 2009, households may make one or more of several consumer choices to achieve digital-to-analog conversion, such as via cable or satellite service (where available), or through a converter device. [ 9 ] In the NPRM, NTIA proposed to define those U.S. households eligible to participate in the Coupon Program as “those households that only receive over-the-air television signals using analog-only television receivers."[ 10 ] NTIA further proposed to make households that receive cable or satellite television service, even if those households have one or more analog television signals not connected to such service, ineligible for the Coupon Program.
5. Many commenters disagreed with NTIA’s proposed definition and argued that all consumer households should be eligible to receive coupons. [ 11 ] Given the funding level and the possibility that many households with cable or satellite service may wish to purchase a converter box, commenters expressed concern about excluding any household. [ 12 ] Commenters also expressed concern about those consumers that may need to rely on over-the-air capabilities in times of emergency. Some commenters argued that the Act and the legislative history do not support NTIA’s proposed definition and that the Agency lacks the statutory authority to limit the eligibility requirements. [ 13 ] For example, in Joint Industry Comments, the commenters argued that the Act and the legislative history, as well as practical considerations, “preclude any implementation of the program that would exclude from coupon eligibility analog sets in cable or satellite-served homes not connected to those services.” [ 14 ] Likewise the Consumer Electronics Retailer Coalition (CERC) argued that there is no basis in the Act or the legislative history to support the standard proposed in the NPRM. [ 15 ]
6. Several comments raised other points in favor of expanding eligibility beyond that proposed in the NPRM. For example, some commenters noted that even cable and satellite households may need the ability to receive signals over the air in times of emergency or severe weather. [ 16 ] Others noted that limiting coupons to over-the-air-only households could disadvantage satellite customers who receive their local broadcast signals over the air. [ 17 ] Operators of Class A and LPTV stations noted that these facilities will continue to broadcast in analog after February 17, 2009, that most of these facilities are not eligible for cable or satellite must carry and that NTIA should not deny converter-box subsidies to households that rely on analog receivers to watch Class A and LPTV stations over the air, even if they have another means to view digital full-power stations. [ 18 ] Consumers Union contended that denying converter boxes to all households would cause disruptions in service that could undermine consumer support for the digital television transition. [ 19 ] RadioShack suggested that limiting eligibility could reduce demand for converter boxes, thus raising their costs and potentially harming low-income households. [ 20 ]
7. NTIA recognizes that limiting eligibility as proposed in the NPRM would be difficult to enforce. There are no lists of households that only receive over-the-air television broadcasts. Moreover, as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recognized, it would be a highly challenging task to obtain a list of cable and satellite subscribers in order to identify over-the-air-reliant homes by the process of elimination. [ 21 ] In fact, it would be difficult for NTIA to determine which U.S. households currently have, or plan to obtain, an analog television set requiring a CECB. Moreover, efforts to confirm eligibility would likely delay reasonable and timely distribution of coupons. [ 22 ] Unless NTIA devoted substantial resources to review applicants’ certifications of eligibility, there would be potential for waste, fraud and abuse. [ 23 ] Such efforts could also substantially increase the costs of administering the program. [ 24 ]
8. Upon careful consideration of all arguments raised in the comments for and against limiting household eligibility criteria, NTIA has decided not to initially limit household eligibility in the Coupon Program to households reliant exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts for television service. Accordingly, the Final Rule permits coupons to be distributed initially to all U.S. households. As proposed in the NPRM and consistent with the definition used by the U.S. Census Bureau, a “household” consists of all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as a separate U.S. postal address. [ 25 ] NTIA received a comment from SunBelt Multimedia Company that requested the household definition to be expanded to allow multiple families residing at a single address to each count as a household, based on the community or income criteria. [ 26 ] NTIA recognizes that multiple families may exist in households as defined by this Final Rule, however, it would be administratively difficult to determine the number and location of these households and to establish a definition based on community or income criteria.
again I realize that some of you thought that the rule was different but it is what it is. We are all eligible.
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.
You're absolutely right if your needs correlate to why Congress created the program. If you don't have a legitimate need, then you could be denying someone else that truly needs a coupon their entitlement.
If you don't need the coupon, then there is no way asking for one can be justified.
You have no right to question people's morals in this matter. That is out of line. I i have a legitimate need for the boxes I applied for and the govt has already addresed the issue and decided to include all households. But there is no point in going further here. Let's just agree to disagree.
And the real Geronimo would turn over in his grave to have his name disgraced. I will not disgrace my ancestors intentionally.
And I think it is disgraceful to resort to personal insults when we are discussing a matter like this--or any other. At this point we have problems with each other but I ask you to respect all the members of the forum and not resort to these tactics. I will say no more I pergaps should not even have made this post.
Paragraph 5 was more interesting to me. The commentors that were named as supporting expansion of eligibility are the manufacturers and retailers associations. Wonder why?
The intent of the program is still obvious. To give coupons to those who NEED them. This is like cutting in line at the theater. Not illegal, but not ethical and could have an impact on those down the line.
The section says that the Industry association comments were "an example" they do not say that they were the only comments
What if I want to have them as backup in case I cancel Dish. Or I could sell them on ebay!!! J/K
I couldn't get signed up for the 2 coupons. The site kept sending me back to the signup page, with no errors or anything.
I bought an ota digital tv tuner box today from wal-mart for full price cuz I couldn't wait any longer to tinker with one of the boxes.
I bought an ota digital tv tuner box today from wal-mart for full price cuz I couldn't wait any longer to tinker with one of the boxes.
This thread has gotten out of hand. Some people are violating site rules with slander and insults. Moderators need to take control.
