| VIP |
|---|
Subscribe to become a VIP member of SST!
· Request More Often
· Unshared Requests
· Request Countdown Timer
· Request Ready Indicator
· Your Request History
· Access To The VIP Forum
· Add More Favorites
:: Click Here To Upgrade ::
:: Give VIP as a Gift ::
|
|
|
|
View previous topic ::
View next topic
|
| Author |
Message |
Sound_Track
Lieutenant
Joined: May 15, 2006
Member#: 14512
Posts: 203
Location: Texas
   
|
 Posted:
Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:49 pm Post subject: Govt. $40 Coupons for Digital TV Converter Boxes |
 
|
IF YOU HAVE AN ANALOG TV SET OR VCR . . . .
https://www.dtv2009.gov/Default.aspx
You can find out about the $40 Coupon Program from the Govt. and register to be sent up to 2 $40 Coupons for Digital TV Converter Boxes.
Once you've registered for the Coupons, they will be sent to you when the boxes begin being available in late Feb. or early March 2008. Then you must redeem the coupons at a Retailer within 90 Days.
With the converter boxes, you can receive Over-The-Air Digital TV transmissions. And so can your analog VCR, but you'll need a box for it also.
The neat thing about Digital over-the-air TV, is that there are other side channels available. But you have to have the converter box to see the channels over the air.
The site has a FAQ section. Maybe that will answer any questions you have....
I received my Digital TV Converter Box $40 "Coupons", which are actually credit card shaped plastic cards this week (April 7th).
They are valid through June 24th, a little less than 90 days from now.
The letter than comes with the cards lists 4 chains and 8 specific locations closest to me.
A complete list of participating retailers for coupon redemption is available at www.DTV2009.gov
3 Radioshack
1 Circuit City
2 Best Buy
2 Wal-Mart
The there's a separate page that lists Brands and Model numbers.
For the most recent list go to www.NTIADTV.gov/cecb_list.cfm
I viewed 3 boxes, at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Radio Shack. The RCA Box at Wal-Mart retails for $49.
And the Zenith Box at Circuit City and the Insigina Box at Best Buy, and the Digital Stream Box at Radio Shack all retail for $59.
All come with remotes, which can be programmed to turn your TV set On and Off.
The DTV box can be programmed to not show certain channels, or your favorite channels.
You can select the picture for Standard TV or Widescreen.
Each box has a Standard Cable In and Out port.
Also each box has an RCA Output (Left, Right, and Video).
The RCA box at Wal Mart also a "Smart Cable" port.
I do not know what the Standard Warranty is, but the stores will Gladly sell you a "Repair Policy"...
All this is to watch the various "Digital" Channels on "Over-the-Air" transmissions.
You can use any Standard TV Antenna with the DTV Converter Box.
Some, but not all DVT Boxes are also capable of passing through analog TV signal to the TV set.
The DTV Box --IS NOT-- an HDTV Convertor. To View TV Programs in HD, you need an HD Converter AND an HD TV, or an HDTV with a built in converter.
_________________
Emergency Command Override 100375 ---- "READY WHEN YOU ARE SGT. PEMBRY ...."
Last edited by Sound_Track on Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:44 pm; edited 3 times in total |
|
 |
 j2brown
Commodore
Joined: Feb 22, 2002
Member#: 9
Posts: 3188
Location: Sterling, VA
 
   |
|
Posted:
Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:13 am Post subject: |
|
I hope everybody enjoys the converter boxes that I (and every other taxpayer) helped subsidize. I think I'll just let my TV go dark next February and at least save myself the cost of my own box. I'll still have to pay for everybody else though.
jeff
sdg |
|
|
|
 AK-Mal_Owner
Lieutenant Commander
Joined: Jan 07, 2004
Member#: 4415
Posts: 292
|
|
Posted:
Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:39 am Post subject: |
|
The DTV Box --IS NOT-- an HDTV Convertor. To View TV Programs in HD, you need an HD Converter AND an HD TV, or an HDTV with a built in converter.
*snicker* .... I can see it now, the mountain of boxes on top of my TV... the DTV, HDTV, DVR, DVD, ....
YEah, I'm not planning on geting as DTV converter... don't really see the need.
-tg/akm |
|
|
|
Caliburn
Guest
|
|
Posted:
Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:36 am Post subject: |
|
Boxes is not the problem. Remotes are.
Harmony is your friend :-) |
|
|
|
 alien_avatar
Captain
Joined: Oct 28, 2006
Member#: 16007
Posts: 1342
Location: Berlin
|
|
Posted:
Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:14 am Post subject: |
|
In Berlin they forced these boxes on us "for our own good" or something. 
Advantages:
- a couple of more (cr@ppy) channels and a better picture
Disadvantages:
- one more box on top (under, to the side) of your TV... and another one in case you want to record something
- sometimes the wonderful digital picture just freezes
Conclusion/Recommendation:
- Unless they're discontinuing the analog broadcast signal in your area (like they did here  ) don't bother getting the thing. It's just not worth it. Especially if you have cable or satellite TV.
- Wait until the time when you want/need to buy a new TV. The newer models (at least the ones that are sold in Germany) have an in-built receiver.
:::IMPORTANT!!!:::
If you do decide to buy a receiver, don't go for the cheapest model you can find. Nothing but trouble down that road. (Experience talking, btw.  )
_________________
"Welcome to the paranoia club; cheapest fees in the universe and membership lasts forever."
- Peter F. Hamilton, The Evolutionary Void |
|
|
|
weaponlordzero
Captain
Joined: Sep 15, 2006
Member#: 15677
Posts: 1639
Location: Louisville, KY USA
|
|
Posted:
Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:02 am Post subject: |
|
They will be discontinuing the analog broadcast in the USA.
_________________
I do not wake up with thoughts of control and rebellion, but thoughts of purpose and righteousness and the empowerment to fulfill those convictions that define me. |
|
|
|
Sound_Track
Lieutenant
Joined: May 15, 2006
Member#: 14512
Posts: 203
Location: Texas
|
|
Posted:
Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:58 am Post subject: |
|
When your over the air TV goes static in Feb. of next year, because you do not have a Digital Converter Box, then that will just give you more time to listen SST ! ! !
_________________
Emergency Command Override 100375 ---- "READY WHEN YOU ARE SGT. PEMBRY ...." |
|
|
|
zirael
Commander
Joined: Feb 05, 2004
Member#: 4924
Posts: 795
Location: North Carolina
|
|
Posted:
Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:35 pm Post subject: |
|
I got the red converter box coupon card in the mail and it expires so quickly - I only have about 2 months to use it or lose it.
It might be better to wait until late summer before requesting the coupon so there are more converter models available at the stores. |
|
|
|
Sound_Track
Lieutenant
Joined: May 15, 2006
Member#: 14512
Posts: 203
Location: Texas
|
|
Posted:
Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject: |
|
I opted to but hte Zenith Converter Box at Circuit City for $59 minues the $40 Coupon.
I like the way the Zenith box works. It delivers a great digital picture, with the amplified indoor Philips Antenna MANT510, which I also picked up at Circuit City.
There are actually many DTV Digital Converter boxes out there. But, the major chains have chosen to offer one or two models, and that's it.
I'm happy to have the box now, and to enjoy that secondary digital channels, and what they offer.... weather, and even a 24 hour DFW Airport Tower Cam view.
ION has The Worship Network on a sub-channel.
Free TV has NEVER looked so good.
_________________
Emergency Command Override 100375 ---- "READY WHEN YOU ARE SGT. PEMBRY ...." |
|
|
|
Twopop 
Rear Admiral (Ambassador)
Joined: Jul 21, 2004
Member#: 7382
Posts: 2673
Location: Oregon
|
|
Posted:
Sun Nov 16, 2008 10:25 am Post subject: |
|
Here's a handy video tutorial to help you with the upcoming digital conversion: 
http://tinyurl.com/6zk8p6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
