This is your second and final chance to get ready for the advent of digital television across the nation. As of June 12, 2009, consumers still using analog television equipment will no longer be able to view television programming. Consumers have been urged since long before the original conversion date of February 17. 2009 to make the proper arrangements, including purchasing a digital converter box. The original February date was postponed at the urging of Congress, who felt consumers were not yet ready to deal with the switch.

Since there is now less than a month to go before the switch to digital programming, the Commerce Department has continued an aggressive campaign to reach out to all consumers and even help them with the process of getting a coupon redeemable towards a digital converter box. Initially there was a fund set aside totaling $650 million for the first switch date and have since funded an additional 12.25 million dollars in coupons to offset the price of the converter boxes for consumers who still haven’t made the switch. The coupons can be applied for here

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration says now that the waiting list for the  coupons will be shorter with the additional funds in place. However, there have been complaints that the coupons do expire within a period of 90 days.

There are some television broadcasting stations that have already gone digital. Consumers who continue to use televisions that are not connected to a paid cable service or satellite dish and still use antennae, or “rabbit ears” as they are known, will no longer be able to watch any television channels.  The converter box can be purchased for a price ranging between $40-$80 plus the discount price of the coupon which is $40. The converter box will allow you to then receive the digital signal.

Since many consumers are discontinuing cable in order to save money in their monthly budget, this may be a good opportunity to explore your own options. Applying for a coupon is relatively easy and having some access to television programming can be just what you need to cut out the costly cable bill each month. You can still receive all over-the-broadcasting signals but you will not have access to cable channels.

The DTV2009 website, where you can apply for coupons, has a generous list of Frequently Asked Questions that will cover the technicalities.

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