Summary
• US Government to subsidize converter boxes
• Coupons will rebate $40 from each box
• Program viewed as crucial to successful digital transition
• Retailers now required to display prominently a warning that that analog TVs on their shelves will not receive over-the-air broadcasts after February 2009 without a converter
Analysis
This is another important public education component in the government’s DTV transition plan. Yet, it continues to be a difficult message to get out, due to many complications. And more information should be better – but only if the accompanying educational process is well thought out.
The NAB, CEA, NTIA, and other groups have embarked on a public education campaign to address this issue. Advance information provided by them indicates a vast effort, styled after a political campaign, will be rolled out later this year, which will include mainstream newspapers, trade publications, business journals, television news media, as well as various other grassroots efforts.
