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Get Ready for the Digital TV Transition

January 06, 2009 4:06 PM

ABC News' Lisa Stark reports:

Yes, we're all enthralled with the big change at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, but there is another transition underway –- the move to Digital TV on February 17th. 

Today two consumer groups held a conference call in light of the government's announcement this weekend that it has hit the ceiling of money approved by Congress for the $40 coupon giveaway -- coupons consumers can use to help pay for TV converter boxes. Those who need the converter boxes  -- anyone with an analog TV who is still using rabbit ears or a rooftop antennae to get their television signal. Anyone hooked up to cable or satellite services is okay for the switchover to digital TV.

The groups urged consumers not to panic, but then went on to say that the switchover has been horribly bungled and that it's likely many folks will be left in the dark come February 17th. How many? Estimates of those still NOT ready for the transition -- anywhere from 1.7 million to 7 million households.

So what do Consumer's Union and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights think should happen next?

Consumers who still need a coupon should get on the government waiting list.  As coupons that have already been issued expire the money goes back in the pot and additional coupons can be send out.  So far only 50 percent of coupons mailed out have been redeemed. There are over 103,000 folks on the wait list already.  Even if they all get coupons, they are not likely to get them by Feb 17th -- it takes 3 to 4 weeks for people to get the coupons from when it is requested.

Congress should approve more money (millions) to pay for additional coupons digital to analog TV

Those with coupons they don't plan to use should find a church/community group who can give it to a family that needs it.

The groups also said as it gets closer to the deadline consumers will have to make the hard decision about whether to spend their own money without government help. They warned them not to listen to any hard sells and buy expensive TV's or expensive converter boxes. Consumer Reports has rated 35 boxes and found some of the best are not the pricey options.  The boxes run from $40 to $80.

Figures from the government –- as of Dec 31st over 46 million coupons have been requested. 42.6 have been mailed out. More than 13 million of those have expired.

Stay tuned...

January 6, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (1)

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Posted by: Jen A from Comcast | Jan 8, 2009 7:59:14 PM

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