DTV Switch Delayed as Coupons Run Out

UPDATE Tuesday February 17, 2009

On February 17, President Obama signed into law a new Stimulus Package that includes $650 Million for new Converter Box Coupons.

This comes as the DTV date was pushed back to June 12th, after estimates that as many as 7 mllion Americans are not ready for the switch, and could lose their TV reception.

With the DTV Converter box program out of money, the Stimulus now provides money for the FCC to mail out a new round of $40 coupons to replace those that expired after 3 months.

However, you cannot yet apply for new coupons.  Hold onto your expired coupons, and you should hear news by the end of February on how to re-apply for new ones.
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Original Report, January 7, 2009

If you still don't have DTV Converter Box coupons.... you may not receive them in time for the digital TV switch on February 17th.

The government has announced the coupon program has run out of money.

That's right: The $1.3 Billion set aside for the Converter Box program has been exhausted, according to the FCC.

Those $40 coupons currently on order will be distributed.

But as of January 4th, 2009, anyone applying for a coupon will have to go on a waiting list. You may receive a coupon if some people do'nt redeem theirs...or if Congress passes an emergency bill to give the coupon program more money.

In addition, stores are running low on converter boxes.  If you don't have yours yet, you may want to spend the $50 to buy one at this point, then buy a second box if your coupon arrives.

As always, don't waste your money. I'm John Matarese.