Do not let them take away Grandmas TV stories - advice from DTVcoupon.org

There is a major technological revolution occurring in the world of Broadcast Television that may catch some less tech savvy TV viewers off guard. Anyone who relies on over the air reception using an antenna will be affected. The shakeup is called HDTV, and it is poised to silence Grandmas trusty old analog TV on February 17th, 2009. Those who rely on satellite or cable for their Television service will not be affected by this transition period.

The last technological advance made in the world of Broadcast Television was the transition by the NTSC (National Television System Committee) to a color system in 1953. This change was transparent, literally, to owners of black and white television sets. Even to this day you can receive analog television broadcasts on an old black & white TV from the 1940s, if you could find tubes to keep it running that is. The latest transition, this time from Analog NTSC broadcasts to Digital ATSC (Advanced Television System Committee) broadcasts is a little more ground-breaking. Your old color analog sets cannot pick up the new DTV (Digital Television) signals on their own. They will need a little help in the form of a Set Top Box Converter. Since the US Congress does not feel like alienating potentially millions of avid television viewers, and possible voters, by rendering their televisions obsolete, they have devised a plan to get some more use out of Grandmas old TV.

Enter the "Converter Box Coupon Program". This program will grant up to two $40 coupons per US household good towards the purchase of an approved DTV Set Top Box Converter. This program was authorized by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 and is being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. If you can afford it, your best bet would be to upgrade to a new HDTV and enjoy the increased resolution and clarity that Digital Television has to offer. If you do not have the means or desire to upgrade your television, like a lot of people on fixed incomes, the DTV Coupon Program is for you. It will allow you to enjoy high quality, static free pictures on your trusty old analog TV for years to come. The DTV Coupon Program is set to begin on January 1st, 2008. The coupons will be sent through the mail, and will be able to be used at both traditional electronic retailers as well as through online retailers. For the latest information on the terms, conditions and contact information for the DTV Coupon Program, please visit http://www.dtvcoupon.org/page.cfm/id/14359 The program is set to run until March 31st, 2009, which is about 6 weeks after analog transmissions cease forever. Coupons will be issued on a first come, first served basis. They will expire 90 days after they are issued, and as mentioned before, there is a two coupon limit per household.

If you have never experienced HDTV for yourself, I suggest you visit your local electronics retailer to see a demonstration of this amazing technology first hand. I think Grandma will be impressed at how good her stories are going to look in the brave, new digital future.