Posted by The Vanecko on May 30, 2009 at 12:31:08:
Digital TV converter confusing? FCC offers free installation help
May 30, 2009
BY STEPHANIE ZIMMERMANN Staff Reporter
If you have a digital television converter box but just can't figure out how to hook the darn thing up, help is on the way.
The Federal Communications Commission has a list of authorized installers who will help Illinoisans with free in-home installation of their converter boxes.
For information on the program, call the federal government's DTV conversion hotline at (888) CALL-FCC, or contact one of these installers directly:
* * KMAD Business Services, (866) 932-2758
* * Green Planet, (888) 508-1115
* * Best Buy, (877) 229-3889
The installation service is free, but consumers must have a converter box in advance of their appointment.
Procrastinators who still want a $40 government coupon toward the cost of a converter box need to apply by June 1 to receive their coupon by the June 12 deadline for the switch from analog to DTV television.
To order a coupon, call (888) CALL-FCC.
Based on recent tests, the FCC says the Chicago area is less prepared than other regions for the transition. An estimated 76,000 local homes could be without any television signal June 12.
Households with cable or dish signals will be fine, as will homes with newer, digital TVs.
Consumers with older, analog TVs won't get any signal unless they hook up a digital converter box.