Brier Dudley's Blog

Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting the Northwest.

March 12, 2007 4:25 PM

Update on digital TV converter coupons

A little more information was released today about the big switch from analog to digital TV that's taking place on Feb. 17, 2009.

For those still using analog TVs and getting their signal over the air, the federal government will issue coupons to help defray the cost of converter boxes that you can plug into an older TV and receive digital broadcasts.

Households can request up to two coupons worth $40 apiece. Request can be made via a toll-free number or Web site starting Jan. 1. The converter boxes are expected to cost $50 to $80, according to this Cnet story.

Here's a link to the U.S. Department of Commerce agency handling the coupon program.

It's always nice to get money from the feds, but I wonder if it would make more sense for people to buy multifunction devices that have digital tuners instead of adding a single-purpose device to the stack by the TV. DVD recorders, for instance, can be found for under $150 now.

Digg | Newsvine