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story category Feds To Hand Out Digital Converter Coupons
Two $40 coupons per household, starting January 1, 2008
(old news - 05:49PM Monday Mar 12 2007)
tags: business · wireless · bandwidth · cable · content
As part of the shift toward digital TV in 2009, Uncle Sam will be handing out up to two $40 coupons to each American household to help them purchase a converter box, notes CNET. Over-the-air analog broadcasting ends on February 17, 2009, freeing up 60 megahertz of spectrum to be used for wireless broadband and 24 megahertz of spectrum to be doled out to emergency response agencies. A digital-to-analog converter box will be needed after that date for Americans to watch programming on older analog televisions. If the initial $890 million worth of coupons isn't enough, the NTIA can ask Congress to hand over an additional $450 million.

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Forums » Feds To Hand Out Digital Converter Coupons
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brianiscool

join:2000-08-16
Miami, FL

Yes

Where is my money! Give me your tax money ;P
tpac_man

join:2007-02-27
Riverbank, CA

This is B.S

What a great way to waste my hard earned money.... and best of all... I don't even qualify to receive the coupons... I hate this crap that the Government is doing. Bastards!

Farley3
Holyshnikes

join:2002-01-23
Croswell, MI

Re: This is B.S

said by tpac_man See Profile :

What a great way to waste my hard earned money.... and best of all... I don't even qualify to receive the coupons... I hate this crap that the Government is doing. Bastards!
Take from Group A give to Group B, your Democrats hard at work.
--
The exsistance of Flame throws says that at sometime, somewhere, someone said, ya know.. i really want to light that guy over there on fire but i just cant reach that far...

en102
Canadian, eh?

join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA
·RoadRunner Cable
·DSL EXTREME

Re: This is B.S

are you sure about that ?

I know those 'conservatives' would like to get their hands on some spectrum, and are sweetening the pot to get those old analog junkies off. E.g. I'm sure people that will be hurt when their cable splicing at the curb days end as well as their bootleg cable.
elister

join:2006-07-17
Seattle, WA

"Take from Group A give to Group B, your Democrats hard at work",

Except for the fact that Republicans had been in power during the time these rules were set, even presided over the cable deregulation bill in the mid 90s that raised rates for everyone. Previously you didn't have to pay for the local, over the air channels, but thanks to the REPUBLICANS who were in office, now you do! Neat eh?

Imagine what would happen if congress decided to switch over to a new breed of car fuel. Anyone who has an older petrol based engine would have to spend 100$ to upgrade to handle the new fuel, no doubt angering tens of millions, having a rebate cushions that blow, but it would still piss people off.

Jwobot

join:2002-08-14
Sterling Heights, MI
·WOW Internet and C..

Re: This is B.S

quote:
Boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 apiece.
That's to much money and I don't even care if they are handing out coupon's. The price for these boxes should be $20.00 or less if they are forcing this on to people.

RARPSL

join:1999-12-08
Suffern, NY

said by elister See Profile :

Imagine what would happen if congress decided to switch over to a new breed of car fuel. Anyone who has an older petrol based engine would have to spend 100$ to upgrade to handle the new fuel, no doubt angering tens of millions, having a rebate cushions that blow, but it would still piss people off.
They've already pulled this fuel replacement stunt and, if you were using the old fuel, it required you to buy a new car to use the new fuel. Unless you are real young and were not alive (or at least driving) when it happened you should be able to remember LEADED Gasoline and its being banned to force you to switch to the new UNLEADED fuel as well as replace your LEADED fuel using car with one that used UNLEADED fuel.

Old_Grouch
Don't just sit there silly DO something
Premium
join:2004-05-26
Greenwood, IN
clubs:

Re: This is B.S

Ummm, didn't NASCAR recently run one of its first races with unleaded? And, gee - the cars went fast.
--
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cdru
Go Colts
Premium,MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

Re: This is B.S

said by Old_Grouch See Profile :

Ummm, didn't NASCAR recently run one of its first races with unleaded? And, gee - the cars went fast.
Indy Car is using ethanol this year in it's races.
--
Go Colts

nixen

@xanthia.com

Re: This is B.S

said by cdru See Profile :

said by Old_Grouch See Profile :

Ummm, didn't NASCAR recently run one of its first races with unleaded? And, gee - the cars went fast.
Indy Car is using ethanol this year in it's races.
Coulda sworn they've been using alcohol as fuel for longer than just this year (and they aren't the only ones).

AnonymousPerson

@verizon.net

Short of having 90% of the seats in both houses to account for moderates and bureaucratic restrictions, do you think that any given party with a majority in both houses is really in power, especially considering the fillibuster in the Senate and the 2/3 majority in both houses required to propose constitutional ammendments to the states?

grcore
New and Improved

join:2003-12-06
usa

said by Farley3 See Profile :

Take from Group A give to Group B, your Democrats hard at work.
Top Five Republican uses for this money

5. Buy a few extra bombs to drop on Iraq.
4. Pay for Halliburtons move to Dubai.
3. Send some more money to the Israli's.
2. Spruce up the prison golf course for Scooter Libby.

1. Reduce the budget defecit.....NOT...lol

proletarian2

join:2007-01-08
00000

said by Farley3 See Profile :

said by tpac_man See Profile :

What a great way to waste my hard earned money.... and best of all... I don't even qualify to receive the coupons... I hate this crap that the Government is doing. Bastards!
Take from Group A give to Group B, your Democrats hard at work.
And your Republibitches take from from Group B (The People) and give to Group A (Corporations).

TOPDAWG
Premium
join:2005-04-27
Midland, ON

Re: This is B.S

uh they both do that. Yeah dems are sure just common men and women how many work a 9 to 5 job and go home to a normal sized house. Here is your answer none.

Money wise dems and reps are teh same.
proletarian2

join:2007-01-08
00000

Re: This is B.S

bullshit, republicans overwhelmingly take more/get contributions from corporations over democrats.

do your homework, son.
mikabl
Premium
join:2002-09-29
Rockford, IL
Hmmm, BOTH Parties. Party X sneaks it out of your pocket, Party Y hits ya over your head and then takes it. End result is the same.

M A R K
St. Ides Heaven
Premium
join:2001-06-15
Long Island
clubs:

said by Farley3 See Profile :

said by tpac_man See Profile :

What a great way to waste my hard earned money.... and best of all... I don't even qualify to receive the coupons... I hate this crap that the Government is doing. Bastards!
Take from Group A give to Group B, your Democrats hard at work.
Get a fucking grip. How about take all from group "American Middle Class" and give it to Israel, Iraq, Haliberton and big OIL" This bull shit should be funded by tax money. After all the freed MHZ are to be sold to more horse shit media companies and others digital whores.
--
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KrK
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said by Farley3 See Profile :

Take from Group A give to Group B, your Democrats hard at work.


"Take from Working Class Group A give to Wealthy Group B, your Republicans hard at work."

Gotta love politics.
BellSouthBS

join:2002-03-07
Fort Lauderdale, FL
This bill was sponsored by REPUBLICANS years ago. Democrats cut this by 20% and applied a 2 cap limit and other restrictions.

Toguro

join:2003-10-23
Ottawa, IL
This money is coming from the auction of the analog spectrum.

KrK
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Re: This is B.S

said by Toguro See Profile :

This money is coming from the auction of the analog spectrum.
Yeah, but the spectrum is considered a public asset, and is being sold into private ownership. That's not necessarily bad in itself, but the money could have been spent on something more useful, like deficeit reduction....
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)
BellSouthBS

join:2002-03-07
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Most of the money comes from spectrum auctions mandated by the "BUDGET REDUCTION ACT OF 1996."
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20

I've said it before and I will continue to say it..

"GET OFF THE CROSS!" you selfish &*$&#Q(*

"YOUR hard earned money? I suppose that your few dollars, to which you've benefited from over and over and over again gives you authority to claim it's "your money"...

Do you EVER read? This money is coming from the sale of the spectrum ...

We talk about being the greatest nation on the planet. Some people often compare this country against crap holes like China because of their incredible broadband - yet they slam them for their treatment of their people.

Do you not give a crap about your fellow person who may not have the life you do? Do you not care that some people live in crime ridden areas simply because they can't afford anything better? How about those that literally scape to eat.. their TV is the only form of a hint of entertainment and you want to remove deny them of that?

You disgust me!

You live in America.. we're better than that! Now ask yourself.. how much of that $40 is supposedly yours to begin with.

If you don't qualify to receive the coupon - then stop your complaining.. you're doing just fine with out it. Next I bet you will bitch that people who really need it actually get medical treatment on "your hard earned money".. I mean, HOW DARE we take care of those who are not as fortunate.

It's called compassion and it's called America. Act like you live in it.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy ... those who also never take the time to point out a good fortune when the opportunity presents itself. It says a lot about one's moral character." - Unknown

TOPDAWG
Premium
join:2005-04-27
Midland, ON

Re: This is B.S

You don't need TV to live so no they can't have the $40. Programs like this reward people for failing.

Yep I can get cable being as I work hard for my money they can do the same the end.

Maccawolf
Premium
join:2001-02-20
Hillsdale, NJ

Re: This is B.S

No, I don't need TV to live, but I certainly don't like being FORCED to upgrade my perfectly good set because some yabo has decided that OTA will no longer be analog.

$40 whole dollars doesn't go very far in this.......

P.S. I don't have cable tv. I only have it for my computer. It's not a NECESSITY for me to have cable TV, I'd rather spend MY hard earned dollars elsewhere thank you very much
--
"The most affectionate creature in the world is a WET dog"---- Ambrose Bierce
Desdinova

join:2003-01-26
Gaithersburg, MD

I agree with TopDawg on this one; comparing TV and medical services is quite a stretch. As for TV being the only way these folks can entertain themselves, well, I just have to thank God I was born after 1947 when entertainment was invented. The previous 40,000 years or so of human history must have been terribly boring with absolutely nothing fun to do...
patcat88

join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY

Re: This is B.S

said by Desdinova See Profile :

I agree with TopDawg on this one; comparing TV and medical services is quite a stretch. As for TV being the only way these folks can entertain themselves, well, I just have to thank God I was born after 1947 when entertainment was invented. The previous 40,000 years or so of human history must have been terribly boring with absolutely nothing fun to do...
There is war, spreading Christianity, trying to attract aliens, executing leaders, doing crime, more sex, getting entertainment from nature, drinking, going to "church" (socializing).
Desdinova

join:2003-01-26
Gaithersburg, MD

Re: This is B.S

Man, there was just NOTHING going on!
iliketoplay1

join:2006-02-06
Merrill, WI
Amen

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
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You have to forgive FiberGuy... If you read the threads you'll notice his favorite habit is to go off like a rocket with false moral outrage and he will then flame you from his high position of "Superior Morality".

Do you not care that some people live in crime ridden areas simply because they can't afford anything better? How about those that literally scape to eat.. their TV is the only form of a hint of entertainment and you want to remove deny them of that?
Puh-lease. Only form of entertainment? I spent several years living in a home without a TV. Guess what I found plenty of things to do like READING BOOKS for one. Man I loved the Library....

Come down off your high horse. This "give-away" is a giant waste of money.
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20

Re: This is B.S

EVERY - ONE - OWNS - THE - AIR - WAVES!

EVERYONE gets the benefit from the profit in this case. The government invalidated everyone's TV over night.

So, "PUH-LEASE" why don't YOU come down off that cross. GIVE AWAY? HAH! Go back to your master and put your leash back on.

Don't compare YOUR desires in life to others.. it doesn't work... not in this country. If that was the case, we'd all praise Jesus, marry once, and slavery would most likely still be legal. So what if you lived with out a TV. Two issues here remain,.. everyone is getting the voucher. As legal owners of the waves, who all have paid for (based on the way our society sees it to be fair) everyone gets the voucher.

On the flip side, alot of tax payers who may never had had a phone line are getting a refund for the phone tax. Some of those people never paid it.. poor people, using your hatred rant, DID pay it but if they didn't pay taxes because they are too poor, they don't get the refund, right? Here is an example where some people got the refund who never paid if while others that did, don't.

The feds are giving EVERYONE a voucher and that's insane to you? I fail to see your point.

And as for your uneducated review of my postings.. I go off on stupidity. There is plenty of it around here. I'm sorry I don't conform to the socialistic views that many here do.. those that feel entitled.. sorry that's not good enough for you. Don't EVER make the damn mistake to EVER apologize in my name butt-wipe.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy ... those who also never take the time to point out a good fortune when the opportunity presents itself. It says a lot about one's moral character." - Unknown

KrK
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2 edits

Re: This is B.S

said by fiberguy See Profile :

EVERY - ONE - OWNS - THE - AIR - WAVES!
Why are you telling me something I already said? Hello I already said it was the sale of the *Public* Spectrum. Public as in, everyone. Once sold however it will be privately owned.
EVERYONE gets the benefit from the profit in this case. The government invalidated everyone's TV over night.
Overnight? You mean as in the 10+ year phased in rollout of HDTV and phase-out of SD OTA? That kinda overnight? That's a really, really long night!

I'd have to disagree that everyone will benefit. If they'd just cut everyone a check or applied the money to the deficeit, then I'd agree with you that *everyone* benefited. But this "voucher" system to give certain people a discount to buy a special HDTV OTA downverter back to SD TV to make their older TV work really is just a big handout to which ever companies will be selling the boxes.

So I'll say it again. Yes, this is a GIVE-AWAY of the taxpayer's money derived from the sale of a public asset, and yes, I still think it's a WASTE.
Don't compare YOUR desires in life to others.. it doesn't work... not in this country.
Why do you keep taking your behavior and trying to apply it to me?
I go off on stupidity. There is plenty of it around here. I'm sorry I don't conform to the socialistic views that many here do.. those that feel entitled..
LOL Said by the one who is all for Government handouts to fund people's Television habits!! Nice...

BTW Reading your cheap insults is getting old. I'm getting tired of it on every thread. Keep it up and I'll just start reversing your own speech back on you... in this case that would mean pointing out that you are a "Stupid Uneducated Hating Butt-Wipe". Which actually sounds about right. Nothing like your own words to truly define who you are as a person, eh?

komodo7d

join:2006-10-17
Lafayette, LA
the article clearly states there are no income limits...so why would you say you don't qualify to receive the coupon...
russotto

join:2000-10-05
Collegeville, PA
How do you not qualify? All American households qualify, and if you're not American, well, at least it's not your government wasting money.
NYC Girl
Premium
join:2007-02-04
Bronx, NY

Re: Yes

I want mine too!!!

TOPDAWG
Premium
join:2005-04-27
Midland, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..

OH yeah to people who say poor people should get them for free cause they got nothing else to do. Well maybe they can spend less time watching TV and more time looking for a job.

You can also go the the library and get a book on something to improve yourself for today's work force. Unless you need it to live people should never be given anything for free. Also they on;y get the items they need to live if they deserve it and earn it.
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20

Re: Yes

Hey TopDog.. I suppose that the poor people who also do pay taxes don't deserve to have some of their ownership back?

The money is coming from the sale of the spectrum. Since all tax payers own the spectrum, I suppose it's their's to have back in the first place. Would you rather big bad government have the money? or rebate it to all citizens?

However, I'd expect nothing less from a republican - and yes, that's an assumption because you're certainly talking like one.

Disclaimer: I am neither republican or democrat nor of the independent party, or green party.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy ... those who also never take the time to point out a good fortune when the opportunity presents itself. It says a lot about one's moral character." - Unknown

TOPDAWG
Premium
join:2005-04-27
Midland, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..

Re: Yes

No being a rep has noting to do with it. I think people should earn their way in life. I'm a nice guy people always need a helping hand I'm fine with it. Exp I do volunteer work at the local food bank in town here.

However TV is not something you need to live. If they're to poor to have a TV then them watching some retarded reality show is not going to improve their lives.

Also I live in Canada so this does not effect me. Also poor people don't pay taxes they would get it all the money back or even extra back that they never paid in.

The US is rewarding people for failing and not holding it's own people to a standard. People always tell the government stay out of my life but when they want something they're all government get in my life.
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20

Re: Yes

Poor people do pay taxes. Define poor!

Also, the public owns the airwaves here. If the government signs a law that forces all people to basically outdate their televisions in the sign of a pen, then some of the profits of the sales can certainly go back to the legal owners of those airwaves.

I fail to see your reasoning as to why poor people are freeloaders here.

You also FAILED to read that ALL AMERICANS get 2 $40 vouchers.. not just the poor.

And sometimes, the government has to get involved to help those that can't help themselves.

Get with it if you're going to bash people please.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy ... those who also never take the time to point out a good fortune when the opportunity presents itself. It says a lot about one's moral character." - Unknown

Mizzat
Will post for thumbs
Premium
join:2003-05-03
Atlanta, GA
·AT&T Southeast

So far, I see people complaining about price, but no one mentioned:

THIS IS AN ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCT

It isn't a neceity to live. If you want entertainment, pay for it. I think if the government wants to give out coupons, it is a bad idea to try and discount an entertainment product. Give that money to school systems, not help the people that don't want to afford cable buy something so they can sit home and watch more TV.
--
What has two thumbs and likes to help?
arck1969

join:2006-11-27
Apple Valley, CA

Cable is not a luxury

I guess Cable TV is no longer considered a Luxury. When are we going to get it for free?

See 10 replies to this post
clecssuck

join:2002-01-23
Birmingham, AL

Get out of my pockets

Yet another waste of MY tax money
bobny1

join:2004-09-10
Bronx, NY

Re: Get out of my pockets

Lets do the math!...$40- cap.gaintax-fccfee-regulatoryfee-localfee-overtheairfee-misc.fee= $10.

MadMANN
Premium
join:2005-08-19

Re: Get out of my pockets

It's not YOUR money. This money came from the sale of the bandwidth. You paid not one red cent for it.

leXicon5
Pelosi, SHUT YOUR Fing Pie Hole
Premium
join:2000-12-27
Saint Louis, MO

Re: Get out of my pockets

said by MadMANN See Profile :

It's not YOUR money. This money came from the sale of the bandwidth. You paid not one red cent for it.
Then the boxes should be free. Since the airwaves are owned by the public and only REGULATED by the FCC...that money should have been spent on the boxes and handed out.

And EVERYONE qualifies for the government cheese....there is no income cap...
--
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Kearnstd
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coupon

@jpmorganchase.com

Yea right!

They give us 2 -$40 coupon when the device would cost us more than that. Not only that, tax is NOT INCLUDED.

See 9 replies to this post

dslwanter
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Lowellville, OH
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3 edits

No need

EDIT: Oh Well, I already have HDTV via over the air so I don't give a rats pitute.

Could have sworn the headline said Cable, but I have the tendency to go blind for periods of time.
--
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PolarBear
The bear formerly known as aaron8301
Premium
join:2005-01-03
·CableOne

Re: No need

Once again, this isn't for digital cable, this is for OVER THE AIR BROADCASTS.

These coupons apply to the set top boxes needed to pick up a digital over the air signal, and pipe it into your good old fashioned analog TV, like my lovely 27" CRT (or even a digital HDTV that doesn't have a digital tuner built into it).
--
"I invented it, Bill made it famous." --David Bradley, the inventor of Ctrl+Alt+Del.
Matsayz
Premium
join:2005-02-08
Tucson, AZ

How much are the boxes?

i mean if its two $40 coupons per household... and whos the lucky schmuck who makes the boxes collecting all this money at the end of it all?

guesswho

@jpmorganchase.com

Yea Right! Go the hell

They give us (2) $40 coupons when the device would cost 2 times more than that. Furthermore, if you subtract the sale tax, that would be less than $40. I would rather they reduce my income tax instead.

justbits
More fiber than ATT can handle
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Chicago, IL
·AT&T Midwest
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2 edits

DVRs/DVD players disqualified!?

For example, consumers could not use the coupons toward devices that contain digital video-recording capabilities or DVD players.
And how many bottom feeders are there going to be that want to just provide a tuner box with no DVR features? This definitely eliminates TiVo and possibly even DVR tuner cards for your PC. Look out for a flood of cheap and crapy tuners. *ugh* Get ready... everybody will have to upgrade their firmware for these devices next when they mandate a change in the ATSC broadcasting standard.

UHF
All static, all day, Forever
Premium,MVM
join:2002-05-24
clubs:

NOT cable TV

It's to convert over the air Digital TV to work with older analog only sets.

You must meet certain income requirements to get the money.

BuriedCaesar
It's Not Polite To Stare.

join:2004-03-27
Richardson, TX
·AT&T U-Verse
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Re: NOT cable TV

said by UHF See Profile :

You must meet certain income requirements to get the money.
Ummmm.... then why did the article have this sentence?

"The coupons have no income limit, meaning that millionaires would be as eligible for taxpayer-provided discounts as someone living below the poverty line."
--
That was preposterous! Utter Nonsense! Totally unsupportable drivel! You can't be serious!....Um, what did you say?

UHF
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Re: NOT cable TV

said by BuriedCaesar See Profile :

said by UHF See Profile :

You must meet certain income requirements to get the money.
Ummmm.... then why did the article have this sentence?

"The coupons have no income limit, meaning that millionaires would be as eligible for taxpayer-provided discounts as someone living below the poverty line."
I dunno. All the articles I've seen in the trade journals say that there are income requirements that must be met. I believe the TV industry over CNet.

BuriedCaesar
It's Not Polite To Stare.

join:2004-03-27
Richardson, TX
·AT&T U-Verse
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Re: NOT cable TV

said by UHF See Profile :

All the articles I've seen in the trade journals say that there are income requirements that must be met. I believe the TV industry over CNet.
Believe as you wish, but from my perspective, CNet appears to have gotten it right. I went to the NTIA website, where it clearly says "all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons" (»www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/dtv/dtvcoupon.html ). That seems pretty straightforward to me.

Seems there might have been a little advanced FUD going around in the TV industry trade journals about this program, since the final rules were only announced today. In which trade journals did all (or just one) of those articles appear? Can you perhaps provide an online link to one (or more) of the journal articles that directly contradicts the reference in the CNet story and the clear statement on the NTIA website? I'd be curious to see these articles for myself.

So far, I'm inclined to believe CNet and the Feds.
--
That was preposterous! Utter Nonsense! Totally unsupportable drivel! You can't be serious!....Um, what did you say?

UHF
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Re: NOT cable TV

I stand corrected. It appears that they changed the requirements since they were last reported in the industry.

karlmarx

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iraq
·Fairpoint Communic..

Who wants to start a web site with me

We'll redeem the 40.00 coupons for 20.00 cash, and trade them in to uncle sam for 40.00. We'll get RICH! Remember, most people won't even use them, let's make sure we're all republicans here, and we soak the government for all it's worth!
--
Stick it to the MAN. Support your local torrent sites. Proudly providing 100mb of upstream for all your TV, Movie, and MP3 needs.
houselog442

join:2005-10-05

Re: Who wants to start a web site with me

Sounds like the communist left is whining because they are being called out on here for supporting another worthless government handout.

Anybody who thinks like a communist liberal is a complete mentally retarded moron that is incapable of rational thought. When I see a liberal, I see someone in the special ed class that does nothing but drool, cry, shit and piss themselves. Communist Liberalism is basically an admission of inferiority, a class of sub-human retards that is as annoying as that crap that grows in your eye lashes when you wake up in the morning. That is also why the communist left supports Islamic terrorism. When communists see Muslims they see the same characteristics as themselves; Evil, oppressive, mindless little monsters! The only good communist is a dead one!
ross

join:2000-08-16
·Digizip

Re: Who wants to start a web site with me

said by houselog442 See Profile :

Sounds like the communist left is whining because they are being called out on here for supporting another worthless government handout.

Anybody who thinks like a communist liberal is a complete mentally retarded moron that is incapable of rational thought. When I see a liberal, I see someone in the special ed class that does nothing but drool, cry, shit and piss themselves. Communist Liberalism is basically an admission of inferiority, a class of sub-human retards that is as annoying as that crap that grows in your eye lashes when you wake up in the morning. That is also why the communist left supports Islamic terrorism. When communists see Muslims they see the same characteristics as themselves; Evil, oppressive, mindless little monsters! The only good communist is a dead one!
You would have less crap growing in your eyelashes if you would simply pull your head out of your ass once in a while...

LilYoda
Feline with squirel personality disorder
Premium
join:2004-09-02
Mountains
Holy flamebaiting, Batman!
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?

join:2004-09-07
Bellingham, WA
·Comcast Formerly ..

This is NOT for CABLE!

But if the cable companies were smart they would grab on to this as a great marketing ploy.

They should leave the analog signal on the cable and sell a low cost analog only tier.

They could advertise "Your TV still works with cable TV".

PolarBear
The bear formerly known as aaron8301
Premium
join:2005-01-03

Re: This is NOT for CABLE!

Yes, but analog Cable TV? Eww.
Mad Mac

join:2003-03-10
Moorpark, CA

Re: This is NOT for CABLE!

Just to add another angle to this, I understand that the cable companies can only "downconvert" a digital signal to analog with the consent of the broadcaster, so analog cable may also end in 2009.
Joe12345678

join:2003-07-22
Des Plaines, IL

said by b10010011 See Profile :

But if the cable companies were smart they would grab on to this as a great marketing ploy.

They should leave the analog signal on the cable and sell a low cost analog only tier.

They could advertise "Your TV still works with cable TV".
not with comcrap they move all of the good stuff to digital.

NowVOIP
In the beginning there was POTS

join:2006-03-05
Round Lake, IL
·AT&T U-Verse

Yet another example of your tax dollars....

at work.

Good god! We give them food stamps, and they drive caddie's. We give them low income housing, and they wear new clothes everyday. We give them a 2 $40 coupons for a digital converter, and they will find a way to rob the system with those too.

Ladies and gentlemen...Your tax dollars at work!

BuriedCaesar
It's Not Polite To Stare.

join:2004-03-27
Richardson, TX
·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T Yahoo

Re: Yet another example of your tax dollars....

said by NowVOIP See Profile :

Good god! We give them food stamps, and they drive caddie's. We give them low income housing, and they wear new clothes everyday. We give them a 2 $40 coupons for a digital converter, and they will find a way to rob the system with those too.
Had you read the article, you would have seen this little gem:

"The coupons have no income limit, meaning that millionaires would be as eligible for taxpayer-provided discounts as someone living below the poverty line."
--
That was preposterous! Utter Nonsense! Totally unsupportable drivel! You can't be serious!....Um, what did you say?

boognish
Premium
join:2001-09-26
Baton Rouge, LA
clubs:

Don't like it one bit.

I don't even watch TV. That is BS that they are going to use tax dollars for something like this. There are a lot more important things that this money for like education, repairing infrastructure of some cities, or fixing a bunch of other problems that this country has.

Shack

join:2002-01-17
Bloomington, IN

Re: Don't like it one bit.

It is from the sale of the spectrum, not tax dollars.

Toguro

join:2003-10-23
Ottawa, IL

Re: Don't like it one bit.

It is nice to see some one still reads.
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
Do you even know how much 800 million is to the over all aspect of the country's economy? It's would be like you pulling $1 our of your pocket.

Really people - try to actually think before posting.
salex711

join:2001-11-14
Ardmore, PA

1 edit

Antenna

How about broadcasting HD signal over the air? Will that be available and free?

I am sorry.What I meant is just the local channels which i get now for free over the air.

Like PBS and main news networks
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20

Re: Antenna

You ARE kidding us with this post, right?

Brazbit
Randomness Personified
Premium
join:2003-10-22
Port Orchard, WA
Nope HD Over The Air will still be paid for by the sale of commercials just like it already is today.

brian jones

@swbell.net
HD is free and availabe over the air (ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX)in most markets
salex711

join:2001-11-14
Ardmore, PA

Re: Antenna

thank you ,that is what imeant

FactsDontMatter

@algx.net

Facts don't matter to Rush limbaugh, Ann Coulter lovers.

Fact: The money for this comes from the selling of frequency created. It is not tax dollars. I realized the facts are hard to get for you guys. This is something you war lovers should like really. The government making money and not making you pay more tax. Try reading...or is there not enough light in that trailer park of yours?

Sure am glad the people on welfare understand our government better than all of you!!! hahhahah

I love right wingers...
slaphappy65

join:2004-07-22
Evansville, IN

Re: Facts don't matter to Rush limbaugh, Ann Coulter lovers.

They don't have to think for themselves, Facts. That's why Faux News was created.
boggaf05
CCNA, SCVU
Premium
join:2006-06-21
Gaffney, SC
clubs:
·Charter Pipeline
·AT&T Southeast
·DIRECTV

Availible Boxes

Theses boxes are availible now but for a price of $180.00. I bought one last week at circuit city, hooked it up to my "old" CRT television and it works great. Also works great with any projector if you have one. Samsung makes the only ones that I know of (model DTB-H260F). BUT, if your televison does not have a COMPONENT input (i.e. the blue, green, and red plugs) or an HDMI input don't bother with these boxes, the box offers component (the yellow plug) and s-video outputs but it will squeeze the 16:9 picture into the 4:3 frame making it look awful. The box also has a optical audio output for digital 5.1 audio, but also has the red, white rca output

Supafly
Premium
join:2000-07-15
Elk Grove, CA

Re: Availible Boxes

said by boggaf05 See Profile :

BUT, if your televison does not have a COMPONENT input (i.e. the blue, green, and red plugs) or an HDMI input don't bother with these boxes, the box offers component (the yellow plug) and s-video outputs but it will squeeze the 16:9 picture into the 4:3 frame making it look awful.
Not to nitpick, but I think you meant composite on the second reference.

LilYoda
Feline with squirel personality disorder
Premium
join:2004-09-02
Mountains

They will develop more in the US soon... You can be sure than when there is $800millions of revenue to be made, competition will savagely kick in...

Here in the EU you can find them for $30 to $50 with basic features. The just decode the MPG2 stream and spit it out over S-video or Scart. The quality is surprisingly good actually. Much better than an OTA broadcast, or analog cable...

Give it a year, and you'll see those boxes for sale dirt cheap anywhere
--
"the two most abundant things in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity." (Harlan Ellison)

Agent 86

@comcast.net

The stupidity is getting thick in here

Government spending is government spending...the dollars don't "know" where they came from - it's completely irrelevant.

Anyway, it's likely that most of these coupons will go unclaimed. Most people subscribe to pay TV and won't feel compelled to buy an ATSC receiver.

rob_in_chatt
Premium
join:2004-09-17
Chattanooga, TN
·Comcast

2009

the move to remove analog would be a viable discussion point if 100% of the US had cable tv service.

i guess they are moving towards this under the assumption that everyone has access to cable tv, and yes there are still some places that dont have it. will they have it by '09? we will see wont we...................

Supafly
Premium
join:2000-07-15
Elk Grove, CA

Re: 2009

This is for OVER THE AIR broadcast!

For god sakes people, read the fine article!

marko711

@cox.net

These converter will all be from

CHINA

93254336
Weapons Of Masturbation
Premium
join:2001-10-20

I'll believe it when I see it

I bet the transition date will, once again, be pushed further into the future.

- Dan
--
"That which does not kill us makes us stranger."
Forums » Feds To Hand Out Digital Converter Couponspage: 1 · 2


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