Government Subsidies For Digital TV Switch Now Scarce

The federal government says 8 million households are still unprepared for the digital TV switch on Feb. 17, and the program that subsidizes set-top signal converter boxes is strapped for cash. The first warning that funds were tight came last fall.

The converter boxes are needed to change those digital signals back to analog for those who get their TV over-the-airwaves, through a “bunny-ears” or rooftop antenna. Cable and satellite viewers will not be affected.

Up until now, a government subsidy program has cut the cost of converter boxes by $40. But Congress set a ceiling of $1.34 billion for the program, and that money’s just about gone. A waiting list might have to be created. Otherwise, procrastinators will have to shell out the entire cost of the box themselves. They run anywhere from $40 to $80 without the coupon.

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