Digital TV signals have
sharper pictures, enable
stations to broadcast more
than one stream on the same
channel and take up less
spectrum than analog
signals.
But the challenge is bigger
than just converting signals
to 1s and 0s: Manufacturers
are now developing and
building low-cost converter
boxes, but retailers are yet
to stock them. Consumers,
meanwhile, are largely
unaware they will need to
buy and install one. The
boxes aren't to go on sale
until next January, 13
months before they will be
needed.
"We have a lot of educating
to do," said Jim Yager, who
spoke on behalf of the
National Association of
Broadcasters.
To help consumers absorb the
cost, Congress set aside
$1.5 billion to subsidize
converter box purchases.
Every household, regardless
of whether it needs a box,
will be eligible to receive
two coupons, each worth $40,
that can be used to buy two
converter boxes. The
coupons, to be distributed
on a first-come first-serve
basis, must be requested
between Jan. 1, 2008 and
March 31, 2009.