Free Digital TV Converter Box Coupons Available Through AARP

Free Digital TV Converter Box Coupons Available Through AARP

Limited Supply of Digital TV Converter Box Coupons Available for Public Distribution

BALTIMORE, May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Coupons for a free digital TV converter, which will let consumers watch digital TV on an analog television set, are now available online at no cost whatsoever to consumers through the AARP website (http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPMD/journals/TV_Converter_Coupons_Avai/69242 ).

The television world as we know it will change on February 17, 2009, when broadcasters will stop sending out analog signals. Many consumers -- especially older Americans -- will be left without television service unless they connect a digital TV converter box (http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPMD/journals/TV_Converter_Coupons_Avai/69242 ) to their television set to receive the new digital transmission signal.

Those who subscribe to cable or satellite TV services, and those with newer digital televisions, should not see any disruptions to their viewing and will not need a digital TV converter box (http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPMD/journals/TV_Converter_Coupons_Avai/69242 ). But television viewers who rely on older, analog TVs will need to buy a digital TV converter box -- also called a digital to analog converter box -- or a new TV, to continue watching.

"Unless they take action, 20 million households could suddenly be without the important news and information that television provides," said AARP Maryland senior state director Joe DeMattos. "And older Americans are likely to be impacted in greater numbers than the general public."

Those analog households can apply for up to two free digital cable converter box coupons worth $40 each to offset the cost of buying a digital cable converter box. Applications are being accepted now, and the supply of coupons is limited, so consumers are encouraged not to wait. A digital cable converter box generally costs between $50 and $80. Information on how to apply for the free digital TV converter box (http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPMD/journals/TV_Converter_Coupons_Avai/69242 ) coupons can be found at www.aarp.org/community/AARPMD.

Nielsen Media estimates the number of households who rely on over-the-air broadcast signals, who will need a digital converter box, at approximately 20 million. Of these, approximately 40 percent -- or 8 million households -- include at least one person over the age of 50. To those living on a fixed income, these free digital converter box coupons could be particularly helpful.

For older persons, television can be a primary connection to the outside world -- providing life-saving weather forecasts and public safety announcements, as well as information on government and politics, and community news. Americans aged 50 and above watch the greatest number of hours of television a day of any age group -- almost 5.5 hours. These digital TV converter box coupons are available at AARP.org

AARP is a member of the DTV Transition Coalition, comprised of about 200 business, trade, and industry groups as well as consumer, grassroots and membership organizations. The core mission of the coalition is to ensure no consumer is left without broadcast television due to a lack of information about the transition. Providing access to these free digital converter box coupons is one of the ways the AARP is supporting this goal.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Source: AARP Maryland

CONTACT: Tiffany Lundquist of AARP Maryland, +1-410-869-2204,
tlundquist@aarp.org

Web Site: http://www.aarp.org/states/md

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