We expected some potential issues concerning the analog TV shutoff next year, but even we (and apparently the Commerce Department) could not have predicted they'd run low on stamps necessary to send out $40 discount coupons for digital television converters. Apparently nearly 60% of the coupons sent out expired before they were actually used -- maybe people are waiting to see which digital converter to buy -- resulting in n unexpected number of new mailings. Funds from the unused coupons goes back to the program and will still be available for more requests, however the budgeted administrative funds to actually mail the things is limited, and may need to be expanded. According to Reuters, the NTIA should have a clearer picture after July 1, but this could cause some issues for those still waiting to request the discount.

Dilly-dallying around, are you? Even if you haven't taken the time to secure a digital converter box for the impending 2009 analog shutoff just yet, RadioShack has a box incoming that may tickle your fancy. The Digital Stream DTX9950 not only enables your antiquated set to receive OTA signals long after the February 17, 2009 switchover (Wilmington, North Carolina notwithstanding), but it also features an analog pass-through. According to the company, said feature will "enable consumers who watch full and low-power TV stations to do so without the need for a splitter or A/B switch to a digital-only converter box." Better still, this one is NTIA approved, meaning that your $40 government voucher can be used on the $59.99 device if it's still valid as of this week.

Did you get a DTV converter box yet? If so, Microtune, a company that makes tuners used in some of the boxes, may have some bad news for you. In a test of five different boxes (off the shelf) that did not employ its tuners, all five showed interference problems. Unfortunately, there's no detailed description of the observed problems, but in a letter to the NTIA, the company's President said that the units did not meet the FCC requirements for coupon-eligible converters. Sure, the fact that Microtune is the only U.S. manufacturer of tuners used in any of the DTV converters puts an air of skepticism over the whole matter. But we're in agreement with the company's contention that trouble-free operation is well worth a marginal cost increase to the consumer. Hopefully the company will come forth with a more detailed description of its findings so we'll know whether to add "has a Microtune tuner" to the list of criteria for DTV converter selection.


[Via TVSnob]

Although Channel Master's CM-7000 was announced some time ago, many assumed the "HDTV compatible" logo on the front would keep it from becoming eligible for use with those $40 government-issued coupons. Granted, the marketing is still a bit wonky here -- after all, you can't really "Get Free HDTV" when the maximum output of the unit is 480i -- but at least it has finally slid into the NTIA's list of voucher-eligible boxes. According to early reviews, the reception / interface isn't half bad, so those who've been holding out in hopes that this critter would make the list, you know what to do.

Read - Channel Master Digital To Analog Converter Box Now NTIA Coupon Eligible
Read - CM-7000 user impressions

Unhealthily anxious to wrap your hands around a shiny new DTV converter box for that aging analog set in your guest room? According to acting National Telecommunications and Information Administration chief Meredith Baker, she's still confident that they'll be ready for purchase by February 18, 2008 -- a full year before all US broadcast stations are required to make the jump to digital. Reportedly, she also suggested that the FCC wouldn't need to require cable operators to air public service announcements about the upcoming change, as she felt that "voluntary industry efforts remained the best way to get the message across." Apparently, there are already plans in place to dedicate certain weeks throughout the year to drawing attention to the switchover process, with one of the final ones being codenamed "Life Without Television." Yeah, that should certainly wake up the procrastinators.

Up until now, we've heard a whole lot about what these things will do, where you can eventually pick one up and how to apply for your government-issued coupon, but outside of a stray Zenith, we really haven't seen what many DTV converter boxes will actually look like. Now, Philips has announced that three of its digital-to-analog converters have been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the trio will be sold under the Magnavox / Philco brand names. Reportedly, the Magnavox TB-100MW9 (pictured above), Philco TB-100HH9 and Philco TB-150HH9 (pictured after the jump) will be "available through large retail stores beginning in early 2008" for those in need, and yes, your handy coupon will indeed apply to any of the (admittedly unsightly) three.

Yeah, we pretty much expected every big box retailer known to man to carry these things, but just in case you were worried about locating a TV converter box in preparation for the upcoming cutover, here's some comforting news. Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Target, Sears and Sam's Club are all on the list to carry equipment necessary for analog TV owners to receive OTA programming after February 2009, and just in case one of the aforementioned giants aren't anywhere near you, around 100 more smaller retailers have been certified to stock 'em. Also of note, you can start the new year off right by reminding your great grandparents (or other family members, too) that they can go on and apply for up to two coupons -- which should arrive around six weeks later -- worth $40 apiece to purchase the required boxes. Or, of course, you could just pick them up a new television this holiday season and be done with it.

[Via BroadcastingCable]

Your government has finally announced their plans to spend the money congress you gave them to help ease the digital transition burden on those with older TVs. While we knew these boxes weren't going to be free, we now know that everyone who is willing to call, go online, fax or mail in to "self-certify that they rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts", will be eligiable for two $40 vouchers that can go towards the purchase of a DTV converter box -- at least until the $850 Million runs out. The OTA STBs are expected to cost ~$70, which seems high considering they can be found for $89 today. If you are one of the estimated 20 million households that really do relay solely on OTA, you may want to sign up on January 1st 2008, before all the unscrupulous eBayers get them all. If they do run out, NTIA plans on asking congress for another $450 mil to fill the gap.

[Via 1080eye.com]

There's been a lot of concern over the upcoming digital broadcast conversion and how it will affect those who currently get TV via over-the-air broadcast and haven't upgraded to sets with digital tuners. Under the proposal recently submitted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, only homes that do not have cable or satellite TV currently would be eligible for coupons to reduce the price of two boxes by $40 each. That might not seem fair to people who have say, one cable TV and that one TV in the basement/attic that you could always use to watch the game on Sunday if need be. Luckily if you disagree with the proposal -- which you can read in its entirety here -- they are inviting public comment.

Check out the FAQ for info on how to make your voice heard, much like us they will publish your comments on the website for all to see. Sort of makes you wonder why the government doesn't just start up a blog for this kind of thing.