DTV Transition Education Campaign

Monday, May 5, 2008

(A. Philip Randolph Institute)

We are excited about our partnership with the National Cable and Telecommunications Association on the DTV Transition Education Campaign and look forward to a strong alliance with them as we implement this project. For you convenience, we are attaching some educational information that should be helpful in communicating the message clearly, quickly and succinctly with your community.

Coupon Application

This is the application that you will need to apply for the government coupon for the purchase of the converter boxes. You can print it out for your convenience or the application can also be downloaded at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx.

About the coupons:

You can now request the coupons by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), 1-877-530-2634 (TTY), applying by mail at PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208, or faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70. Depending on your converter box needs, the coupon may cover the entire cost of the box.

The converter box is a one-time cost. It does not come with any monthly fees.

The coupons are free, but supply is limited. Don't wait. Apply now. the is no income requirement for the coupons. Nothign prevents people who can afford a new digital high-definition televison from getting two coupons for the analog sets in the basement and guest room.

The coupons will look like a plastic gift card adn they will work at participatign retail stores the same way a gift card does. They are red and include a serial number and an expiration date on the front. Once received, they must be redemmed within 90 days.

When you receive your coupons in the mail, they will be accompanied by a list of local participating retailers, a list of coupon eligible converter boxes, and frequently asekd questions.

There are more than 60 approved digital converter boxes. Each one is a little different. It's important that you get the right box for your needs. For example, the best box for rural areas may be different than the best box for big cities. Some boxes may be better for people who rely on closed captioning.

Given that the coupons are limited, people should apply for them as soon as possible. There are more than 1,600 local stations already broadcasting in digital. Viewers who purchase a converter box now and connect it to their analog TVs can begin to receieve digital channels right now.

There is no need to buy a coupon, even if someone is trying to sell you one. They are free. While supplies are available, they will be mailed to those who request them. But you need to request them. You should not be tricked into purchasing them off the street or the internet.