The DTV converter box coupon program can help you save your old analog TV set without breaking the bank. Two coupons, each worth $40, can be requested by any U.S. household during the initial phase of the program.
If you watch over-the-air broadcasts on a conventional TV, using an antenna, a digital TV converter box will be needed after February 17, 2009.
How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of
four ways:
- Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov
- Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
- Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
- Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
- Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM – 9PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
The consumer contact center will operate in six languages in addition to English: French, Russian,
Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The contact center will be accessible for
hearing-impaired persons through a TTY number. The contact center and website can help answer
questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon
request, and other issues.
When can I apply for my coupon?
You can apply for a coupon between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, while supplies last.
You may want to request DTV converter box coupons as early as you can, because the program might not have sufficient funds to meet the demand.
Cable, satellite and other pay-TV subscribers should especially not delay, because their eligibility will lapse once the initial funding becomes depleted. (However, if you subscribe to a pay-TV service, you may not need a dtv converter box unless you also own an analog TV that is not connected to the service.)
Is everyone eligible for the converter coupon program?
Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 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 are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.
The limit is two coupons per household, each good for $40 off the price of a digital TV converter box.
The coupon program is for households only. Businesses, offices, schools, non-profits organizations or other entities are not eligible to participate.
What counts as a household?
Under the government’s definition, a “household” consists of all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as a separate U.S. postal address. (Even if multiple families share the same household, the limit remains two coupons worth $80 in total. For example, if your family shares a house or apartment with your parents, the whole lot of you will still be limited to two coupons to divide among yourselves.) If you live in an apartment or other multiunit dwelling, each unit with a separate postal address can request two coupons. A post office box does not count as a household, although a P.O. box is acceptable as a mailing address in rural areas without home postal delivery.
Is the coupon program restricted based on income?
No. The DTV converter subsidy program does not include a “means test,” so any otherwise eligible person may request a coupon regardless of income.
Where can I use my coupon?
You can redeem your DTV converter box coupon at any store (including an online retailer) certified by the federal government to participate in the program. We’ve also prepared a list of coupon eligible converter boxes for you to make it easy. The page also contains links to make it possible for you to purchase online at a retailer that accepts the NTIA coupons. Shop online and save your gas.
May I combine the coupons?
No. By law, only one coupon may be used per DTV converter you purchase. You may not combine two coupons toward the purchase of a single converter box.
If the TV converter box costs less than $40, can I get cash back or use the difference for another purpose?
No. The coupon’s maximum value is $40 or the price of the DTV converter box, whichever is less. (Unlike a gift card, the converter coupon will not retain any stored value if your purchase costs less than the coupon’s maximum value.) Consumers will also be responsible for any taxes on the purchase; the $40 converter box coupon can not be used for tax.
So if you happen to find a DTV converter for less than $40, you cannot receive the remainder in cash. You can’t get a store credit, either.
When I request my coupon, what information will I need to supply?
When you apply, you are required to provide your name, address and the number of coupons you need (maximum: 2).
Some applicants may need to provide additional information:
• As noted, if the DTV coupon program exhausts its initial funding, a second phase begins. Because cable, satellite and other pay-TV customers are excluded from phase two, applicants will then be required to certify they do not receive those services.
• An applicant residing in a rural area that lacks home postal delivery (including some American Indian reservations and Alaska Native villages) may be asked to provide information about the physical location of the applicant’s household.
What will the coupon look like?
Coupons will look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely in the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons will carry no stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.
How will the coupons be distributed?
DTV converter box coupons will be mailed, along with terms of use, via the U.S. Postal Service.
How long are the coupons active?
The DTV converter box coupons will expire 90 days after being placed in the mail by the contractor that operates the program .
May I use my coupon to buy any converter box?
No. Only certain DTV converter boxes are eligible. The permitted models are basic, stand-alone devices, certified by the federal government based on technical specifications and features.
If you are uncertain whether a particular converter box (or “digital TV adapter”) is eligible, ask a retailer that carries it. Stores and online merchants are not allowed to accept coupons for ineligible converter boxes or other devices.
Can a coupon be used to purchase a DVR or DVD player that includes a digital tuner?
No. The coupons may only be applied toward the purchase of a basic, stand-alone, government-certified DTV converter box.
Some manufacturers offer high-end converter boxes that include a DVD player or recorder, or a digital video recorder (DVR). These feature-rich boxes are ineligible for the coupon program.
Can converter-box coupons be applied toward the purchase of a digital TV or HDTV?
No. Television sets are not eligible for the coupon program.
If I need to return my DTV converter box, can I get a refund?
The coupon program’s rules permit you to exchange your DTV converter for another box—either the same model or another that is approved by the program. You may not exchange it for other merchandise.
If you want a refund, the program allows the retailer to refund to you only the portion of the purchase price not covered by the coupon.
Your ability to return or exchange the box may be further limited by the retail outlet’s return policies.
Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a TV converter box I’ve already purchased?
No. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is not a rebate program. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.
What is the toll-free number for DTV converter box coupon information?
1-888-DTV-2009
Can I sell my DTV converter box coupon on eBay?
No—neither there nor anywhere else. It is illegal to sell, duplicate or tamper with the coupon.
Where can I find more information about DTV converter boxes?
Easy. Just check out our section on Digital TV Converter Boxes.
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