Despite months of getting the word out, there were millions of people across the United States who were not ready for the digital television transition that was set to occur on Tuesday, February 17 of 2009. People were just not ready to make the change. As the economy worsened, more people lost their jobs and were already having a hard time making ends meet. Forking out money for a digital converter box was probably the last thing on their priority list as they struggled to pay important utility bills, rent, and food.

Even with the help of the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, millions of households had not yet received their coupons that they were promised. It was reported that the DTV coupon program was running short on money and would need more government funding to continue distributing the coupons, but they are still distributing these coupons slowly but surely. Consumers were to mail in their application and be put on a mailing list. This coupon program promises $40 coupons that could be used to purchase a converter box at participating retailers. Each household was eligible for up to two coupons, and given that a standard digital converter box was relatively cheap, most consumers would have received a completely free converter box or would have only had to pay for the difference in sales tax or just paid an extra $10-20.

Although the DTV Delay Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama and is in effect, it is not mandatory. One-third of the nation’s television stations will still go ahead with the transition and broadcast in digital before the new DTV transition date of June 12, 2009. Of course, only those with analog TV sets will be affected by this transition. Any TV that was purchased after March 1, 2007 will most likely not be affected by the digital transition, but check with the manufacturer or the manual to make sure. You can also see if your TV has a built-in receiver or built-in tuner of some sort that will be able to pick up these digital channels.

If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, then you will not be affected because they will ensure that you receive these digital channels regardless of whether or not you have an analog set or a TV that is capable of high definition transmission. With a weakening economy, however, some people have started to see cable or satellite, among other “unnecessary” services, as luxuries. In fact, when it comes time to cutting out unnecessary spending, services such as these are usually the first to be cut, along with dining out, going to the movies, trips, and frequent shopping sprees.

One very inexpensive and very reliable method of watching TV is by investing in an antenna. There are no monthly recurring fees, and you will have access to HD channels. There are several factors to take into account before making your purchase, such as choosing between an indoor or outdoor antenna or what will best suit your TV due to the location of your home. Visiting our HDTV antenna site will give you all of the information you need to make a sound decision on your antenna purchase.