| Millions of USA residents will receive $40 government coupons helping low-tech television owners to buy special converter boxes for older TVs that might not work after the switch to digital broadcasting in 2009.
Beginning February 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital set and still gets their programming through over-the-air antennas will no longer receive a picture.
On that day, the television industry will go from old-style analog broadcasting to digital.
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 and will be available at electronics retail stores.
Viewers who have satellite or cable service will not need a box.
To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov starting today. The government has also set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
Congress has approved the $1.5 billion for the coupon program, which will fund 33.5 million coupons and other costs.
The giveaway basically works on the honor system.
The first 22 million coupons will go to all households that request them.
The Nielsen Co. estimates that 14.3 million households, or about 13 percent of the 112.8 million total television households in the nation, rely on over-the-air television broadcasts for programming.
On January 24, the FCC will auction off the spectrum currently used for analog television. That portion of the airwaves will be sold to wireless providers and is expected to bring in as much as $15 billion.
A portion of the radio spectrum will also be dedicated for use by emergency responders. | 
