Coupons are now available to consumers who need to purchase TV converter boxes for their analog television sets, State Rep. Jon McKane announced this week. McKane represents Edgecomb, Newcastle, Bristol, South Bristol, Monhegan Island, and Damariscotta.

Coupons, subsidized by the federal government, are valued at $40. The cost of a converter box ranges from $50 to $75.

Maine residents who own analog television sets and do not subscribe to cable, satellite or pay television services will need converter boxes in order to receive over-the-air broadcasts after February 17, 2009, when television stations convert to all-digital signals. Rep. McKane encourages constituents who may need a converter box to request a coupon soon, due to a limited supply.

According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), households can request coupons beginning January 1, 2008. Distribution of the coupons to consumers will begin February 17, 2008. The coupons may be used toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Consumers can request applications and coupons a number of ways. For example, they may apply online at www.dtv2009.gov . They can also call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-388-2009 or mail a coupon application request to NTIA, PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Consumers may also fax a coupon application to 1-877-388-4632. 

Consumers will be provided with a list of eligible converters and participating retailers in their area when coupons are mailed. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed and only one coupon can be used to purchase each coupon-eligible converter box.

Many large retailers have been certified to participate in the program, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. They will accept converter box coupons from consumers but will not have applications for the program.

For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, go to www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon. More information about the entire digital television transition may be found at www.dtvtransition.org .