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10.23.08
Are You Ready for the Analog-to-Digital TV Switch?
In February 2009, television (TV) stations in the United States will switch from analog to digital broadcasts. The U.S. government is taking a fair approach to protecting the rights of consumers, who may be left without TV reception on February 17, 2009, in a well coordinated and implemented educational campaign and by providing coupons for converter boxes.
Q: Who will be affected?
A: People who use an antenna (rabbit ears, rooftop, etc) to receive free over-the-air TV programming may be affected by the digital transition. You need to determine if your TV has a built in “digital tuner.” If it does, your set will continue to function normally after the digital transition. If your TV doesn’t have a digital tuner, you will need to take action now to continue watching programs on that TV.
Here are some guidelines to determine if your TV has a digital tuner:
- If you bought your TV set before 1998, you can assume it doesn’t have a digital tuner.
- If you bought your TV set between 1998 and 2004, there’s a slight chance that it has a digital tuner, but this mostly applies to projection TVs with screens measuring 42” or larger.
- If you bought your TV set since 2004, it probably does have a built-in digital tuner. However, some smaller sets (those with screens measuring less than 27”) may not feature digital tuners, even if they were purchased more recently than 2004.
Q: What if I can’t remember when I bought the TV?
A: Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s web site. You can also look for a “digital input” or “ATSC” label on the back of your TV set. If you find either, your TV has a digital tuner, and you should be able to receive digital signals.
Q: If my TV does not have a digital tuner, do I have to buy a new TV?
A: Not necessarily. You have three choices to help you through the digital TV broadcast transition.
Buy a TV converter box
If you’re not ready to get rid of your analog TV set, you may need to purchase a “TV converter box.” This small device connects to the back of your TV and converts digital signals to analog. Through the government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program, every US household is eligible to receive two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of these devices.
Subscribe to cable or satellite service
If you want to keep using your analog TV, but don't want to use a converter box, you can do so by subscribing to a cable or satellite service. Analog TVs that are connected to these pay-for-TV services will continue to function normally after the digital transition.
Upgrade to a digital TV
If you’re ready for a new TV set, you can upgrade to a digital TV and receive programming without using a converter box or subscribing to cable or satellite service.
Q: What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
A: Congress established the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help households that want to keep using their analog TV sets after the transition to digital broadcasting. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be applied toward the purchase of coupon-eligible converter boxes.
Q: What is meant by a “coupon-eligible” TV converter box?
A: Converter boxes must meet the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s technical and performance standards in order to qualify for the Coupon Program. They must also be limited to certain basic and optional features. A list of coupon-eligible converter boxes can be found at www.dtv2009.gov.
Q. When can I apply for my coupons?
A: You can apply for a coupon between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, while supplies last.
Q. How do I request a coupon?
A: You can request a coupon in one of four ways:
- Apply online.
- Call the 24-hour contact center at 1-888-DTV-2009.
- Mail in a pre-printed coupon application.
- Fax a pre-printed coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2.
For more information about the transition to digital TV, converter box coupons and recent updates, please visit www.dtv2009.gov/RecentUpdates.aspx.
2.4.08
Unveiling the New Face (Brand) of WeSave
Today, WeSave unveils the evolution of the WeSave Brand. WeSave, with the loyal support of more than 200,000 online community members has positioned the WeSave brand as the nation's leading provider of savings to public employees.
“As the WeSave Brand continues to expand its online community, it is the natural time to evolve the WeSave image to embody the essence of the program, which is delivering access to daily savings, life relevant services, and enriching cardholder content” says Tom Loehr,
WeSave CEO.
The evolution of the WeSave brand illustrates the key relevance of WeSave in the daily lives of cardholders. WeSave is the place for savings!