Converter Boxes
For people who have over-the-air television sets and don't use a cable connection ....
You can get a converter box for your current set.
- A converter box costs about $50
- Available at Sears, Radio Shack, K-Mart, Target, CVS, Rite-Aid, Shoppers etc. Also various online stores (example).
- You can get a coupon for $40 to apply to the cost of the converter box. Call 1-888-388-2009 or apply online (Though to apply online you have to complete an almost impossible word challenge. Two of the librarians here could not decipher the one they viewed. And the application screen may expire while you are trying to find someone who can read the secret phrase.)
- The coupon can take up to 12 weeks to arrive, is good for 90 days, and each household is limited to two.
The date when analog transmissions from most TV stations will stop? February 19th 2009.
Even if you view over-the-air television instead of cable, your set might already be digital. In that case, you don't need a converter box.
How do you know if your set is analog and needs a converter box?
- How old is it? Over 5 years - probably analog. Beware: analog sets are still being sold.
- How expensive? If it was cheap - even though you brought it just last week, probably analog.
- What happens when you turn to a channel where no station broadcasts? If you get snow - probably analog.
You can also check any labels on the box or experiment (can you receive a digital station signal?).
Posted by library at November 13, 2008 03:50 PM