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Author Topic: Anybody receive their digital TV converter box coupons?  (Read 31138 times)
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WB3LEQ
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« on: February 23, 2008, 08:13:53 AM »

I did a check on my reference number which is in the 920000 range.  It said my application was approved and awaiting mailing.

WTAE in Pittsburgh announced the converter boxes are now available locally but some stores have them tuck away in semi secluded areas with staff that in some cases did not know they were in stock and for sale! 

Walmart has two models listed online in the $49+ tax:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8343230 
and
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8283870

So has anyone received their digital TV converter box coupons?
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Bob  WB3LEQ
Keep America Beautiful - Smash an ICOM!
KF1Z
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« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2008, 08:32:58 AM »

Nope... not yet...

Not that I'll need them now....
Needed a new TV... everything was turning green....
Besides, that the channel changin' knobs was wearin out!


Got a digital-ready .. 24"  bran-spank-me new for $140..
No converter box needed..

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k4kyv
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Don
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« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2008, 01:14:05 PM »

I haven't checked into it yet.  I seem to have read somewhere that if you tell them you have cable, satellite or already have a working digital set, you are not eligible.

We use cable (got bare-bones basic TV along with high speed internet), but my wife has a rabbit-ears set upstairs (actually, a JS clip-lead antenna).

The cable service is in my name, so I suppose if that is a disqualification, we could apply in her name.  She's the only one who regularly uses that TV anyway.
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Don, K4KYV                                       AMI#5
Licensed since 1959 and not happy to be back on AM...    Never got off AM in the first place.

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N1ESE
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« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2008, 01:54:01 PM »

What's a television?   Grin

I haven't owned a TV in probably 5 years and don't miss it.
 
- JT
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K3ZS
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« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2008, 02:17:35 PM »

I stated that I had cable/satellite service and asked for only one coupon.   According to the gov. web site, I was approved and the coupon was to be sent.  I may in the future want to take a TV on vacation or use one where I don't have cable and $40 off a $49 converter is worth it.    I just traded up to a digital HD Tivo unit.    I was surprised that most of the digital stations around this area are received better that the analog ones.    Several have digital, same frequency repeaters, most of them have 3 channels broadcasting at the same time.   The local PBS has one HD, and two regular feeds, all with separate programming most of the time.    With digital TV, I can get all the networks and PBS with an indoor rabbit ear type antenna sticky taped to the top of the TV.  Looks like I may not need the cable anymore, except my wife likes the other channels on the cable.
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Bill, KD0HG
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« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2008, 02:51:51 PM »

I heard somewhere (NPR?) that they were starting to mail them out this coming Tuesday.
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W1ATR
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« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2008, 03:03:03 PM »

I changed the mercury vap rectifiers to the digital solid state ones, so my TV is ready to go. Tongue
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W1RKW
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« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2008, 03:57:22 PM »

Does one have to apply for these coupons? If so, where does one go to apply?
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Bob
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WB3LEQ
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« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2008, 04:57:09 PM »

Does one have to apply for these coupons? If so, where does one go to apply?

It's easy.  You can apply online at:
https://www.dtv2009.gov/
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Bob  WB3LEQ
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« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2008, 09:13:56 PM »

That Was Easy!  Cheesy I just used the link and requested 2 coupons.  Yes, all the sets in my home have satellite, however I depend on over the air for local programing. So having satellite should not be a disqualification from getting reimbursed.

Steve
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Steve - W1TAV
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« Reply #10 on: March 05, 2008, 12:39:27 PM »

Received mine today. They look like credit cards and there is a list of retailers and model numbers that are available. They also have a web address where you can look up other retailers in your area and the latest model listing.

Bill
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Bill KA8WTK
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« Reply #11 on: March 05, 2008, 12:47:40 PM »

Bill,
Did you receive one or two?  My status still shows I am approved & awaiting mailing. 
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Bob  WB3LEQ
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« Reply #12 on: March 05, 2008, 01:05:24 PM »

Two
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Bill KA8WTK
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« Reply #13 on: March 05, 2008, 01:20:08 PM »

Interesting in that the specs for converter boxes allow 300 ohm input if desired, analog pass-through to the detriment of sensitivity, etc.  Lots of good information here along with thee reasoning for same.  In the list of approved manufacturers I see only a few that will allow analog pass through.  The AWA will not be happy.
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frnotices/2007/DTVFinalRule_2e.htm Grin
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RICK  *W3RSW*
k4kyv
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Don
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« Reply #14 on: March 05, 2008, 02:10:22 PM »

How long did it take?  I applied for mine 2-3 weeks ago and so far, have heard nothing. Or do they come in the kind of envelope that looks just like junk mail, in which case mine could have got accidentally tossed out.

Once, I almost discarded a refund check from a company worth hundreds of $$$.  It looked exactly like typical junk mail and as I was putting it in the daily junk mail pile to be thrown away, I just happened to recognise the company logo on the envelope and decided to open it.
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Don, K4KYV                                       AMI#5
Licensed since 1959 and not happy to be back on AM...    Never got off AM in the first place.

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« Reply #15 on: March 05, 2008, 06:25:00 PM »

Don,
  If I remember correctly, I applied on January 2. But, if they are starting to roll them out, it should not be too long before you get yours. 

Bill
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Bill KA8WTK
WB3LEQ
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« Reply #16 on: March 05, 2008, 06:32:28 PM »

I applied on Jan 3rd so I may see something this week.
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Bob  WB3LEQ
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Ed/KB1HYS
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« Reply #17 on: March 05, 2008, 08:04:20 PM »

I just received two coupons today.  I had applied back in December(?)
FWIW
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73 de Ed/KB1HYS
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Ralph W3GL
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« Reply #18 on: March 05, 2008, 08:40:17 PM »

Hey, you people that received your coupons...

What kind of envelope is being used?   

Does it look like JUNK MAIL?   

I applied back when this deal was first published and throw out several pieces of JUNK daily...
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73,  Ralph  W3GL 

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« Reply #19 on: March 06, 2008, 09:37:16 PM »

The envelope says that it contains a "TV Converter Coupon" in the return address area.
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Bill KA8WTK
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« Reply #20 on: March 06, 2008, 09:41:33 PM »

Went out and bought a box tonight. HH Gregg had the Zenith (LG) DTT900 for $49.95, so I paid $9.95 after the coupon.
The thing works pretty nice. Some stations are full screen on my old TV, some are "wide" and some are letter boxed. I guess it depends on how they are transmitting the signal.
The upshot is that the reception is clearer, even on what were marginal UHF stations.

Not bad for 10 bucks.

Bill KA8WTK
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Bill KA8WTK
Bill, KD0HG
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« Reply #21 on: March 07, 2008, 07:17:01 PM »

My two $40 tickets arrived today.
Thanks for buying them for me.
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WA1GFZ
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« Reply #22 on: March 07, 2008, 10:12:49 PM »

My two showed up today also. Maybe I'll swing over to RS and pick one up with the change from the C note I used to fill up the truck. Man those poor truck drivers diesel is going for $3.85. Time to present iraq with a bill to be paid in crude.
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W4EWH
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« Reply #23 on: March 10, 2008, 04:00:18 PM »

Mine arrived yesterday, and there are a couple of things that I'll mention:

  • They came in a very clearly marked envelope
  • They look and feel like credit cards
  • They're only valid for two months

Now that I'm ready to buy, does anyone know if Consumer Reports or other test reports are available for the various models? What stores are selling the converters?

73, Bill W1AC
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Bill, KD0HG
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« Reply #24 on: March 10, 2008, 04:32:39 PM »

I did notice a few of the converters on the list have a signal pass-through capability ( A bypass switch). I assume that means they can either pass analog signals through unaltered or serve as a converter from HD to analog. The pass-through capability would be useful where one receives analog TV translators or LPTV stations, which will continue broadcasting after the deadline.

I'm using one of the coupons to get a converter for my 1951 Zenith porthole set. Real B&W- Yeah!
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