DTV Apply, Buy, Try

At a meeting of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Digital Television (DTV) Consumer Advisory Committee November 14, 2008, consumers were urged to "apply, buy and try" the converter boxes that will be needed after February 17 when all broadcasts will be digital. Representatives of the broadcast industry and consumer groups are part of the committee that has been meeting to develop plans to make the conversion to digital a smooth one.

The campaign has three goals - 1) to make consumers aware of the change, 2) help them to understand what they must do to stay connected, and 3) convince these consumers to take action. Government officials noted that 34.5 million coupons have been mailed to consumers and 14 million have been redeemed. Everyone who qualifies is permitted to obtain two coupons. The data shows that most requests have been for two coupons.

In response to several questions, it was reiterated that:

If a household requests two coupons and does not redeem them before they expire, no replacement coupons are available

Individuals may share their coupons - if they request two and only need one they may share the extra with a neighbor

Hooking up the box properly and scanning the channels has been a complicated process for a significant number of consumers

The FCC has materials for trouble shooting available for consumers who have trouble getting the set up to work

Rule changes now allow 1) residents of institutions licensed by the state including nursing homes to obtain a coupon and 2) consumers with a Post Office Box may now also receive the coupons

Time is running out to get the coupons in time to obtain the equipment. The coupons are sent by standard mail not first class mail (except in Hawaii where the conversion takes place January 15). Standard mail takes 3-14 days.

For those who do not get the coupon in time, the equipment is available for purchase at retail stores; a coupon is not required. It was initially expected that some individuals would buy new digital televisions forgoing the need for the equipment.

The FCC will have staff in each of the six Designated Market Areas (DMA) to meet with local officials and volunteers to reach more consumers to help consumers stay connected. Town hall meetings and other outreach events are planned for each DMA in the days ahead. A speakers bureau is also available through the FCC to talk with groups to reach as many consumers as possible.