FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN /
The
Past In Future Tense
/
Editorial List
Anyone longing for the good old days has got
to be thinking about the old adage: “be careful what you wish
for.”I’m not
referring to the economic situation in which we find ourselves
(although the phrase Fireside Chat comes to mind).I am actually referring to the fact that in a few weeks
this country will be broadcasting as much analog television as
it did in 1933 – Zilch. Zero.
On February 19th the nation’s broadcasters switch
over to digital from analog broadcasting which is a challenge to
those of us who still watch television on a set with rabbit ears
and tin foil.
From the website DTV2009.gov:
Congress created the TV Converter
Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their
analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S.
households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can
be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A
TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does
not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of
options. Options to explore include:
-
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A
converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after
Feb. 17, 2009, or
-
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
-
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
For more information
about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for
coupons, visit
www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free
1-888-388-2009
(1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY
number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in
Spanish, consumers can call TTY number
1-866-495-1161.
Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by
mailing PO Box 2000,
Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing
1-877-DTV-4ME2
(1-877-388-4632.)
Or maybe just turn the dang thing off and curl up
with a good magazine or newsletter…
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
