Converter Boxes

If your TV does not have a built-in digital tuner, you will probably need a converter box. If you receive free over-the-air television through an antenna, you will need a converter box. Subscribers to cable, satellite or other pay television service should not need one. A digital converter box hooks into your analog television and your antennae. The box converts digital signals so that your analog TV can receive them. A digital converter box may also be called a set-top converter box, a digital-to-analog converter, a digital TV adapter or a digital set-top box. They are available anywhere that sells electronics and usually cost between $40 and $80, however government coupons are available that cover the cost of a standard converter box.

Government Coupons for Converter Boxes

Each household is eligible to obtain two coupons for converter boxes, valued at $40 each. To apply for these coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Converter boxes are available wherever electronics are sold; national chains include: Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, Radio Shack, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. Coupons are only redeemable for converter boxes and cannot be combined.