DTV Coupons Running Low

As the switch to digital nears, coupons for convertor boxes are running out.

August 20, 2008 - 5:51 PM

  The transition to digital is coming, and coupons for free converter boxes have run out, so we wanted to know how local businesses are dealing with the issue.

  There's 6 months left until the transition to digital television, that means, if you get your TV over the air, you'll need a converter box. 

  The government has offered coupons for the boxes, but some people who waited too long have had those coupons expire.  And to make matters worse, we spoke with a congressman who says those coupons won't be extended for now.  "It's a 90 day limit, we want to encourage people to get it over with," said Congressman Fred Upton of St. Joseph.

  The box that makes things easier, even on TV's from as far back as the 80's,  you can get digital programming over the air.

  The Michigan Association of Broadcasters says news about the digital transition is out there, a Michigan State survey of every Michigan County, found 100% of people knew about the switch; half had taken action.

  So what's the bottom line?  If you want to get a converter box, and use the coupon, you only have 90 days to use it or lose it, and each household will only get two.