The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is accepting requests for coupons for converter boxes, which will enable televisions with over the air antennas to still work after Feb. 17, 2009. Each household will be eligible for two $40 coupons to defray the costs of these converter boxes, which are expected to cost between $50-$70. Converter boxes should be offered in most major retail stores in the next few months. The coupons will not be mailed to you until the stores have the converter boxes in stock. Once the converter box coupons are issued, they will be valid for three months.

To Request a Coupon:

Consumers can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov up till March 31, 2009 while supplies last.  This website also provides helpful information about where converter boxes may be purchased in your area and a question and answer section about the digital television transition. The federal government has also set up a 24-hour hotline to take coupon requests: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

There will be 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service do not need these coupons and are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.