[Mishmash] Federal Analog Television Convertor Box Coupons

[Hugh Gigante]

There's a fairly well refined scam with this deal on the part of the cable 
companies, at least here in NYC. It goes with the "high definition is free" 
message they push that is also a bit fake.

Right now my remaining non-digital sets can receive about 80 channels with 
no box at all . . . none hi-def. To access all but five of the high-del 
channels I need one of the cable companies receiver boxes . . . which rent 
for $5.00 a month, and a remote for the box that rents for $1.25 per month. 
Hi-def is free, the box to receive it is not.

Same for the reception of analog after 2/17/09 . . . no problem as long as 
you have those boxes!

Don't you love monopolies!

Hugh
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
To: "Mishmash" <mishmash at mishmash.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 8:56 PM
Subject: [Mishmash] Federal Analog Television Convertor Box Coupons


> Folks,
>
>    This information will only be useful to those of you who are in the
> United States.
>
>    On February 17, 2009, most analog television signals will be removed
> from service and all television signals received 'over the air' will be
> digital television.  Excepts will be translators and television stations
> that are classified as 'low power' (and I have no clue as to how the FCC
> defines a television station as a 'low power' station.  I'm sure there
> is a power limit, but I don't know what that limit is defined to be).
>
>    If you are on cable or satellite, you won't be terribly affected as
> the box the cable or satellite company provides will handle the
> conversion for you.
>
>    The federal government is subsidizing the cost of these converter
> boxes.  Each street address in the United States is entitled to two of
> these coupons.  You may get one either by calling (888) DTV-2009 or by
> going to http://www.dtv2009.gov on the World Wide Web.  According to
> this Web site, the converters will sell for between fifty and seventy
> dollars.  Each coupon will entitle you to a forty dollar discount (one
> per converter box).  Any more than two will have to be purchased at the
> full price.
>
>    Get your name on the list for these coupons if you expect you will
> need one of these boxes.  If you expect to be on cable or satellite as
> long as you still own analog televisions, you may not wish to invest in
> one or more.
>
>    However, if you don't know, I'd go ahead and get the box(es) for my
> sets.  As I might relocate at any time with no clue as to where I might
> end up, I expect that I'll get one for myself.
>
>    The other option is to just replace your television(s) with an high
> definition television (digital television receiver).
>
>    The coupons will not be mailed to you until the converter boxes hit
> the shelves in your area.  I discovered that they won't be on the
> shelves here in Atlanta until February 2009.
>
>    The coupons will only be good for a period of ninety days.  Get
> yourself on that list.
>
>    Regards,
>
>
>
>                                                                    Fred
> Atkinson
>
>
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