DTV converter box coupon program now on wait list

Mon, January 5, 2009
Posted in Digital Technology, Schedule Updates, Technical Updates, Web Updates

Good news / bad news on the DTV converter box coupon program…

The NTIA announced today that their DTV converter box coupon program has been wildly successful — so much so that they’ve run out of coupon funding. They may acquire additional funding from Congress in the coming weeks, but for the moment, all new DTV converter box coupon applicants (as of January 4, 2009) are being wait-listed for fulfillment either sometime in the future or perhaps never. Here’s what the NTIA has to say for those of you still preparing for the DTV conversion at home:

Consumers who have not taken action or who have applied and been placed on the waiting list are encouraged to take action to ensure at least one TV in their home is ready for the transition on February 17, 2009. Consumers can:

Purchase a converter box without a coupon

Purchase a TV with a digital tuner

Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service

Attached is a new brochure which describes the protocol for the Coupon waiting list.

If you do call for a DTV converter box coupon now, a reference number is being given — be sure to keep that number as it will allow you to go online to check the status of coupon delivery. As expired coupons are made available, new coupons will be mailed. NTIA estimates an additional 6 million coupons may be sent once older coupons (already sent) expire. So there’s still hope if you apply today.

Converter boxes are available online from Amazon.com as well as other outlets. Plus, local electronics retailers in Alaska often have DTV converter boxes in stock, too. Of course, if you’re in the market for a new TV anyway, it’s probably best to just buy one from a reseller right here in Alaska — especially if it has a large screen or if you need expert installation help.

NOTE: The DTV conversion will happen for KAKM viewers that watch us via over-the-air (antenna) signals broadcast from our primary transmitter, situated about 11 miles north of downtown Anchorage, on February 17. Viewers on the Kenai Peninsula watching KAKM via antenna will not see digital signals from KAKM until sometime later in 2009.

Questions? Feel free to post them here as comments or Contact Us.